After feeling a little under the weather and missing the team’s training session the evening before, India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is doubtful for the team’s inaugural T20 World Cup match against the United States on Saturday.
The Indian team management is reportedly unwilling to take any chances with its key fast bowler at the beginning of a lengthy campaign because the opening match is predicted to be a one-sided affair.
Because Bumrah, who is essential to India’s white-ball strategies, did not bowl at the nets on Friday, there was conjecture that he would be rested just for safety. There was also a slight rise in his body temperature.
Mohammed Siraj, who joined the team on Friday night, is anticipated to play if the 32-year-old is unable to recover in time, even though Siraj might have to serve as the first-change bowler, as Hardik Pandya is probably going to share the new ball.
India’s group schedule is jam-packed, with games against Namibia on February 12, Pakistan on February 15, and Holland on February 18. The USA match is relatively easy in the grand scheme of things, and the Pakistan match is still unknown because of the current uncertainties.
Resting Bumrah against a team with less experience seems like the best course of action given the tremendous workload that lies ahead and the more difficult opponents that will follow. Preserving Bumrah for the tournament’s business end is crucial, according to the team management.
