‘A little disappointed’: Former cricketer questions India’s IND vs Oman playing XI

Divy Dubey

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‘A little disappointed’: Former cricketer questions India’s IND vs Oman playing XI image

India made a couple of changes in their final Asia Cup 2025 group game against Oman. They rested two frontline bowlers ahead of the Super Four stage.

The move was in line with their plan to rotate players in what was effectively a dead rubber but not everyone agreed with the selection call.

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While Jasprit Bumrah's absence was expected due to workload management, the decision to bench Varun Chakaravarthy drew mixed reactions from former cricketers on air.

Rohan Gavaskar on Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy's omission vs Oman

Speaking on Cricbuzz Live, Rohan Gavaskar said there was no surprise in leaving out Bumrah - given India's focus on keeping their pacer fresh for the tougher matches ahead.

"I think Jasprit not playing is not a shock to anyone. There's a lot being spoken about workload management. You've got to make sure he's completely fit and ready to go when the big games come," Gavaskar explained.

More: "My inspiration" - Oman wicket-keeper Vinayak Shukla calls India legend MS Dhoni as his "guru"

Gavaskar also admitted he was not fully convinced by India's other selection choice. With Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh drafted in, Varun Chakaravarthy was rested despite being in good rhythm earlier in the tournament.

"I actually thought someone like Rinku Singh might get a go. But they've dropped Varun again. I'm a little disappointed because I had Varun as my lead wicket-taker," he said.

More: Asia Cup 2025 Super 4: Rules, format, schedule, points and teams explained

On the field, Sanju Samson top-scored with 56 while Abhishek Sharma's quick 38 set the early tone as India posted 188 for 8. Despite regular wickets, the second-wicket stand of 66 runs proved crucial in giving India a competitive total.

India had already qualified for the Super Four before this match but the playing XI choices ensured selection debates continued beyond the result. With tougher contests ahead, the management's rotation policy will remain under scrutiny.

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Divy Dubey

Divy Dubey is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition. He has a passion for cricket and is an avid fan of football. His work spans culture, media, and digital trends. With a background in research and a curiosity-driven approach, he enjoys crafting thoughtful, engaging stories that invite readers to see everyday topics in a new light.