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Xtra Time Web Desk: The senior selection committee is expected to rest star pacer Jasprit Bumrah for India’s upcoming white-ball series against England in January 2025. This strategic move aims to manage Bumrah's workload and keep him fresh for the Champions Trophy, set to begin just a week after the ODI series concludes.

India will host England in a five-match T20I series followed by a three-match ODI series from January 22 to February 12, providing the Men in Blue crucial preparation for the ICC event.

Kohli and Rohit’s availability under discussion

While Bumrah's rest is almost certain, a decision on the participation of senior batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be made during the selection meeting. Sources indicate both players are eager to feature in the ODI series to build form and momentum ahead of the Champions Trophy.

Bumrah's intense workload in Australia

Bumrah has been the backbone of India’s pace attack in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. With Mohammed Shami sidelined due to injury, Bumrah has carried the bowling responsibility for an inexperienced attack. His efforts have been nothing short of herculean, highlighted by the 53.2 overs he bowled during the Melbourne Test—his career-high in a single game.

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Across the series, Bumrah has already delivered 141.2 overs, the highest workload among bowlers from both sides. The pacer is set to play a pivotal role in the New Year's Test in Sydney, where India aims to level the series. By the end of the Test, Bumrah will have played 10 matches in just four months, underscoring the need for careful workload management.

Rohit Sharma: “Careful with Bumrah’s workload”. Speaking after India’s loss in Melbourne, captain Rohit Sharma emphasized the importance of managing Bumrah’s workload while acknowledging the risks of overusing him.

“There is to be honest (a risk of overbowling Bumrah). He has bowled a lot of overs, there’s no doubt about it. But if somebody is in such great form, you want to maximize that. At the same time, we need to step back and give him that extra breather as well,” Rohit said during the post-match press conference.

Read More: BGT 2024-25: Should Rohit Sharma step down after another test failure?

“I’ve been very careful, and I’ve talked to him about how he feels. These things need to be managed carefully,” Rohit added.

As the Champions Trophy looms, India’s management seems intent on ensuring Bumrah’s availability in peak condition, even if it means sacrificing his services for the England series.

INDIA VS ENGLAND, T20I AND ODI SERIES SCHEDULE

1st T20I on Wednesday, January 22 in Kolkata
2nd T20I on Saturday, January 25 in Chennai
3rd T20I on Tuesday, January 28 in Rajkot
4th T20I on Friday, January 31 in Pune
5th T20I on Sunday, February 2 in Mumbai
1st ODI on Thursday, February 6 in Nagpur
2nd ODI on Sunday, February 9 in Cuttack
3rd ODI on Wednesday, February 12 in Ahmedabad