West Indies vs India 2019: Three players who might replace the rested Jasprit Bumrah 

Jasprit Bumrah is, by all means, a national treasure. The pacer is India’s most prized asset and is currently doing a great job for the nation in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. He has picked up 10 wickets in 7 games and has maintained an impressive economy rate of just over 4 runs per over.

However, Bumrah has been working tirelessly for his team for quite some time now. After the World Cup, India will go head to head against a comparatively weaker West Indies. The men in blue will play 3 T20Is, as many ODIs and 2 Tests against the Caribbeans and Bumrah is set to be rested for the series.

Now a question arises – who will be his worthy replacement? There are quite a few options the national selectors can consider. Let us have a look at three pacers who might replace Bumrah for the series against West Indies.

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#3 Navdeep Saini

Navdeep Saini

Navdeep Saini has been doing well for Delhi, his domestic side, consistently over the past few years. However, he grabbed the limelight only this year when he bowled exceptionally well in the Indian Premier League. Plying his trade for Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore, the right-arm quick took 11 wickets in 13 matches.

His economy rate is even more impressive, which is just over 8 runs per over. In a team where fast bowlers usually go for 10 or more runs per over, that is a highly commendable number. For obvious reasons, he was Kohli’s go to man a couple of months ago.

Bowling constantly in excess on 140kmph, he caught the attention of many pundits. Legendary cricketers like Sourav Ganguly wanted Saini to be a part of India’s World Cup squad. Though that has not happened, he might get his maiden call-up for India once the World Cup gets over.

#2 Deepak Chahar

Deepak Chahar

Unlike Saini, Deepak Chahar is someone who has already donned the royal blue jersey of India. However, he couldn’t quite utilize the two chances he has got so far.

In the only ODI he played, he took just one wicket and conceded runs at an economy rate of over 9 runs per over. In the one T20I he featured in, he picked up a wicket but his economy rate was even worse. Subsequently, he was dropped from the side and has not been considered for a chance ever since.

But in this edition’s IPL, Chahar has redeemed himself. Picking up 22 wickets in 17 games, he was a crucial member of the Chennai Super Kings. His economy rate of just over 7 runs per over was phenomenal for a high-scoring T20 tournament. Though he might not be as fast as his predecessor in this list, if the selectors keep the current form in mind, Chahar might get a chance.

#1 Khaleel Ahmed

Khaleel Ahmed

It was once expected that Khaleel Ahmed will bring an end to national selectors’ extensive hunt for a left-arm seamer. The man from Rajasthan performed well in the domestic circuit and subsequently got a chance to don the national jersey. Though he has picked up 21 wickets in the 17 international games he featured in, his economy rate has been a blot on his record.

However, the 21-year-old youngster showed great control in this edition’s IPL. In 9 matches, he picked up 19 wickets. In addition to that, his economy rate was just over 8 runs per over, which is a massive improvement from his 2018 figures of over 12 runs per over. He impressed everyone by picking up wickets whenever his captain wanted him to do so.

Ahmed’s last match for his country was over five months ago. If the selectors decide to try a left-arm pacer, he is the front-runner.