India’s captain Rohit Sharma has confirmed that the team has developed strategies to effectively manage the workload of their fast bowlers as they embark on a demanding Test schedule, starting with a match against Bangladesh on Thursday at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Over the next 15 weeks, the Indian team will play 10 Tests, including a challenging series in Australia from November to January, which could place significant physical demands on key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
Rohit emphasized the importance of monitoring bowlers’ workloads, stating, “We have laid out some plans on how we are going to manage these bowlers… We will monitor that.” He noted successful past management, referencing how Bumrah and Siraj were given breaks during the home series against England earlier this year to ensure they remained fit and effective.
Following the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, India will host New Zealand for three more Tests, before heading to Australia for a five-Test series in a compressed timeframe. Rohit highlighted that player fitness and condition would guide decisions on when to rest bowlers.
This upcoming series will also mark the first Test assignment for head coach Gautam Gambhir, following a less successful ODI series against Sri Lanka. Rohit acknowledged the adjustments that come with new coaching staff, noting his familiarity with Gambhir and assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, and expressed confidence in their understanding of the team dynamics.
Rohit reiterated the importance of each match in the context of the World Test Championship, stating, “Every game becomes important because of what is at stake.” He dismissed the idea of treating the Tests against Bangladesh as mere preparation for future challenges, emphasizing the team’s commitment to winning every game.
India’s Squad
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- KL Rahul
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Rishabh Pant (WK)
- Dhruv Jurel (WK)
- R. Ashwin
- R. Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
- Akash Deep
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Yash Dayal
With the combination of experienced players and the new coaching staff, India aims to start their Test campaign on a high note while effectively managing the physical demands on their bowlers.
