Cricketer-turned-expert Sunil Gavaskar gave a bold and simple message to the Indian management to rest pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the team's match against Oman on Friday, September 19, and their next clash in the Super 4 stage against Pakistan on September 21.
Speaking to broadcasters, the legendary cricketer highlighted that the clash against Oman today gives India a golden opportunity to make small tweaks to their lineup. It could also give team to test their strong bench strength, while also giving players like Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and all-rounder Hardik Pandya some much-needed time at the crease, something the team has missed owing to sheer dominance by the top-order batters and impeccable bowling by Bumrah & Co.
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Gavaskar felt resting the premier pacer would keep the fast bowler fresh for more sterner challenges in the Super 4 stage of the Continental Cup.
“I would like to think that India would consider batting first and keep the same opening pair. Maybe number three, Suryakumar Yadav, the skipper, could drop himself down the order, giving Tilak Verma a chance for some time at the crease and allowing Sanju Samson a bit of a hit as well," Gavaskar said.
“This would give the batters some practice not just for the game against Pakistan, but also for the upcoming Super 4 matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. It’s more about preparing the batters than the bowlers," he added.
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“I believe Jasprit Bumrah should be rested, perhaps even for the Pakistan game, so he’s available for the bigger match on Sunday, the 28th, which is against Sri Lanka. That’s what India should be looking at. Of course, there will still need to be one bench player included, but Bumrah should be left out for tomorrow’s game to give him rest,” Gavaskar added.
India's bench strength strong enough, as Arshdeep Singh & Harshit Rana yet to feature in Asia Cup 2025
Notably, India has played just Bumrah as their lead pacer, with all-rounders Pandya and Shivam Dube bowling a few overs. The team has relied more on spin and has played three spinners so far in the two games. While India is set to continue with their spin template, resting Bumrah may allow them to play either Arshdeep Singh or Harshit Rana.
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Both pacers are yet to feature in the Asia Cup 2025 games. Arshdeep, in fact, needs just one wicket to become the eighth bowler to pick 100 T20I wickets. The duo's inclusion in the playing XI will only strengthen the Indian bowling attack and give management more options going ahead.
