NEW DELHI: Keeping in mind the bubble fatigue and workload, the national selectors may rest a bunch of team regulars for the two-Test series against New Zealand at home.
India’s Test team for the series is likely to be officially out in a day or two.
TOI understands that some of the leading fast bowlers, especially Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami And Shardul Thakur His weary feet are expected to rest.
wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, who has been a constant presence in the side across all formats of late, is also expected to sit out the New Zealand series to get the much-needed respite from the bio-bubble life.
The combination of a packed schedule and the reluctance of top players to leave the IPL or a part of it has led to a situation which may not bode well for Indian cricket. More careful planning is needed if India pursue serious World Cup ambitions in the future.
regular test captain Virat KohliMeanwhile, will not play the first Test in Kanpur.
Kohli will take charge from the second Test in Mumbai before the team leaves for a full tour of South Africa in the second week of December.
It is learned that the selectors are torn between Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane As stand-in Test captain. Rohit has recently been appointed as Kohli’s successor in the T20 format. Rahane’s stoic form and Rohit’s growing stature as a captain across formats have got a selector and a new head coach. Rahul Dravid thinking.
However, the management is of the view that Kohli is the undisputed full-time Test captain. The selectors are understood to want to stick with Rahane and Wriddhiman Saha (as first-choice wicketkeepers). KS Bharat from Andhra will be the second ‘keeper’.
two day break for players
The BCCI has offered a short break from the bio-bubble life ahead of the players’ gathering for the three T20I series against New Zealand starting November 17 in Jaipur.
Players who are in UAE for the T20 World Cup and who were playing the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament have all been allowed to go home to be with their families. Players are getting a break of two or three days depending on their exit from the current bubble. There will be a three-day quarantine. This step has also been taken keeping in mind the tour of South Africa. Once caught in the Jaipur bubble, some players may have to stay in it for another three months.
T Dileep to be fielding coach
The BCCI will also announce the support staff of new head coach Rahul Dravid on Thursday. While current batting coach Vikram Rathor and NCA bowling coach Paras Mhambrey are set to get jobs, T Dileep will be the fielding coach.
Dileep has been in the NCA system for some time and went to Sri Lanka with the Indian team in July. Dileep was up against Abhay Sharma, who has been a part of India ‘A’ and Under-19 teams.
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