Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has given bold advice to the India National Cricket Team head coach Gautam Gambhir over their most lethal weapon, Jasprit Bumrah, ahead of their final Group A clash in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 against Oman in Abu Dhabi on Friday, September 19.
The former World Cup winner has strongly suggested Gautam Gambhir give the break to India’s strike bowler Jasprit Bumrah, not just for the upcoming game against Oman but also for the high-octane Super 4s encounter against Pakistan on Sunday, September 21, in Dubai.
Sunil Gavaskar wants Gautam Gambhir to bench Jasprit Bumrah for the Oman and Pakistan clash
Gavaskar believes that India should prioritize keeping Jasprit Bumrah fully fresh and fit for the Asia Cup 2025 final on September 28. The former Indian captain wants Gambhir and the think tank to protect the speedster from fatigue and ensure he is at his absolute best when it matters most.
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Bumrah has already played in India’s two group matches against the UAE and Pakistan, and he has picked up three wickets so far in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. The star pacer has shown signs of rust after his return to international cricket following a knee injury that he sustained on the England tour.
I believe Jasprit Bumrah should be rested, perhaps even for the Pakistan game: Sunil Gavaskar
The legendary batter feels that pushing Bumrah through back-to-back fixtures could risk draining him ahead of the knockout stage in the ongoing continental tournament. Gavaskar feels the Oman clash offers the perfect opportunity for India to test their batting depth.
Sunil Gavaskar said on Sony Sports Network: “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.”
Suryakumar Yadav asked to bat lower in Oman clash!!
Surprisingly, the batting legend wants Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav to drop himself down the order, giving Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson valuable time in the middle. Samson, slotted at No. 5, hasn’t batted yet, and Gavaskar feels the Oman game is the perfect chance.
The former Indian batter further noted, “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.”
He also urged India to reshuffle the middle order to prepare for the Super 4s against Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. The commentator believes that sharpening the batters is more important than testing the bowlers as the Asia Cup 2025 moves to the crucial stage.
Gavaskar signed off by saying, “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.”
