The legendary Sunil Gavaskar has encouraged India to consider the long term when planning their Asia Cup campaign, stating that Jasprit Bumrah should be rested for both the final group match against Oman and also for the Super 4 opener against Pakistan on September 21.
Gavaskar claimed that India had the opportunity to adjust their lineup and provide reserve players with crucial midfield action during the Oman encounter.
“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 during an interaction on the Sony Sports network.
”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,” Gavaskar added.
”I believe Jasprit Bumrah should be rested, perhaps even for the Pakistan game, so he’s available for the bigger match, which is against Sri Lanka. That’s what India should be looking at,” Gavaskar added.
With victories against Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, India has already guaranteed the top spot in their group, thus the match against Oman is a perfect chance to change their lineup.
Bumrah took 2/28 against Pakistan after taking only one wicket against the UAE. He has taken 92 wickets in 72 games at an average of 17.67 and an economy of 6.29, ranking him as India’s fourth-highest T20I wicket-taker.
It is anticipated that Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana will participate; Arshdeep is only one wicket away from becoming the first Indian to take 100 T20I wickets.
India’s middle order and top order, which have hardly been pushed thus far, will get vital batting time in the Oman encounter.
