India are set to kick off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against hosts UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium tonight, but the biggest talking point isn’t about the opposition. Apart from the ever-looming ouster of Sanju Samson from the starting XI, it is about whether Jasprit Bumrah should play.
The pacer, fresh from a break after missing the final Test against England and the Champions Trophy earlier this year, has once again found himself at the centre of India’s workload management debate. Despite India trailing 2-1 after four Tests against England, Bumrah and the management stuck by their word to use the star in just three matches. Thankfully, Mohammed Siraj turned up and won India the fifth Test in London.
Will Bumrah play in IND vs UAE match?
Bumrah trained at full tilt in Dubai last week, but his involvement in this relatively low-stakes clash has split opinion. On one hand, the team management would want their spearhead to get some game time before the high-voltage Pakistan match on September 14. On the other hand, his recent history of injuries makes many believe he should be preserved for tougher challenges ahead.
“What is the need to play Bumrah tomorrow, man? Usually, you keep him wrapped in cotton wool. Ab UAE ke against bhi tumhe Bumrah chahiye? Either don’t protect him at all, or if you need to preserve him, then do it in this type of match. Logic dictates that, but we never do things with logic,” Ajay Jadeja said on Sony Sports Network. The former India batter even declared that he would go on strike if Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav decide to include Bumrah against UAE.
“The match is against the UAE. No disrespect because I have seen their captain, [Muhammad] Wasim, and the talent he possesses. You cannot rank any team, but this is a T20 World Cup-winning Team India. Hence, I am clear. If Bumrah plays tomorrow, I am going on strike,” Jadeja added.
Backing a different perspective, Irfan Pathan argued that once a player is picked in the squad, workload management should not dictate selection. “You need to protect Bumrah, I understand. But what my opinion is, and I have said this during the England tour as well, is that if you have come to play a series, then you have to play it completely. You have not come into a series for recovery or management, you have come to play,” Pathan said.
Bumrah last played a game back in July for India. In fact, it was on July 26 that Bumrah was seen bowling. He missed the fifth and last Test against England and has been recovering and relaxing since. Now, India plays UAE on September 9. That means a gap of 46 days. India have to face Pakistan next on September 14 and that means Bumrah would love to have some game time before that high-octane fixture. So it makes all the sense for Bumrah to turn up and feature against the UAE, the hosts.
Also, suppose Bumrah doesn’t play and instead, India include someone like Harshit Rana in the first game. Then, irrespective of how Rana performs, it would be harsh on him to go back to the bench when the match against Pakistan arrives. We all know India needs Bumrah against Pakistan so why not give him a few overs against the UAE so that there is not any lack of habituation to the conditions?
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