Jasprit Bumrah, usually the first name on the playing sheet, wasn't included for India's Mumbai Test against New Zealand, while also absent was Mitchell Santner, Player of the Match in the tourists' series-sealing win in the second Test. Here's why both missed out.
Ahead of the third Test, there were reports Bumrah might be rested for the game, ahead of their much-anticipated tour of Australia. While the Indian team remained clear that Bumrah wasn't carrying any injury, the fast bowler did not bowl in the couple of practice sessions held at the Wankhede stadium.
On Friday morning, Bumrah was confirmed to be rested for the Test, with a BCCI release acknowledging the reason:
"Mr Jasprit Bumrah has not fully recovered from his viral illness. He was unavailable for selection for the third Test in Mumbai."
Interestingly, there was no mention of a viral illness in Gautam Gambhir's pre-match press conference, which suggests Bumrah might have felt the symptoms hours ahead of the game.
Mitch Santner unavailable for New Zealand
In the opposite camp, Mitchell Santner - star of the Pune Test- was also ruled out of the Mumbai game due to injury. Captain Tom Latham revealed Santner was recovering from a side strain.
New Zealand brought in Matt Henry for Tim Southee, and Ish Sodhi for Santner.
Siraj bowled six overs, taking no wickets for 16 runs. He later returned as a nightwatch, only to be out for a first-ball duck, burning a review in the process.
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