India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has reportedly made himself available for selection in the continental competition, giving India a major boost ahead of the Asia Cup. The 31-year-old fast bowler has told the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel that he is healthy and excited to play in the T20 competition, which is set to take place in the United Arab Emirates next month, according to a report in The Indian Express.
To name the squad, the selectors are anticipated to convene in Mumbai on Tuesday, August 19. “Bumrah has informed the selectors that he will be available for Asia Cup selection. The selection committee will meet and discuss it when they meet next week,” a source was quoted as saying.
Since helping lead Rohit Sharma’s team to victory in the T20 World Cup last year, Bumrah has not played for India in white-ball cricket. He helped India win a thrilling match against South Africa in the final at Bridgetown, Barbados, with figures of 2/18.
More recently, Bumrah was rested for the decisive fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval, with the team management opting to manage his workload. The senior pacer had featured in three of the first four Tests, where he delivered 119.4 overs in total and picked up two five-wicket hauls. However, after missing four months of action earlier this year due to a back ailment, his absence from the final Test rekindled discussion over his fitness.
These issues should be less urgent now that the Asia Cup is being contested in the T20 format. With three to four days off in between group stage matches, Bumrah’s workload shouldn’t be a problem. He will only be required to bowl a maximum of four overs every match. Crucially, there is almost 40 days between his final Test match in England and India’s tournament opener.
India is anticipated to arrive in the United Arab Emirates early in the competition, where they may play their bitter rivals, Pakistan, up to three times. The management chose to arrive in the Emirates a few days early in order to adjust to the conditions, even though the BCCI had suggested holding a preparatory camp in Bengaluru.
“Instead of having a camp here, the team will fly three to four days early so that they can get decent practice before the tournament starts,” a source told The Indian Express.
As India looks to defend its Asia Cup title and gain momentum before the T20 World Cup later this year, Bumrah’s return is probably going to be seen as a major boost.
