India are already through to the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025, but their last group match against Oman has sparked a debate.
Former captain Sunil Gavaskar has come out with a strong suggestion for the team management. He feels Jasprit Bumrah should be rested not just for this game but even for the high-voltage clash against Pakistan.
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Gavaskar’s view is clear: the star fast bowler must not be risked and should instead be preserved for the Asia Cup final later this month.
Why does Gavaskar want Bumrah to be rested against Oman and Pakistan?
Gavaskar suggested that India should not play Bumrah in the last group game against Oman, and even in the much-hyped Super 4 clash against Pakistan.
His idea is simple and that is to save the strike bowler for the bigger challenge that awaits in the final.
Bumrah has already bowled in both of India’s games so far and taken three wickets. While he has shown glimpses of his quality, Gavaskar feels overusing him could backfire.
“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. 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 said.
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What changes does Gavaskar suggest in India’s batting order?
It was not only about Bumrah. Gavaskar also turned his attention to India’s batting lineup.
He feels games like the one against Oman should be used to give others a chance. Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya are names he mentioned who should spend more time in the middle.
Gavaskar even suggested that captain Suryakumar Yadav could drop down the order. This move would allow Tilak or Samson to bat higher and gain valuable experience.
“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 Varma a chance for some time at the crease and allowing Sanju Samson a bit of a hit as well," said Gavaskar.
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According to him, this is the right time to prepare the batters for tougher matches ahead, rather than worrying too much about the bowling unit.
“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 concluded.
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