Let us just begin by saying that Jasprit Bumrah is the best fast bowler that the country has ever produced, and for the last couple of years, he has been better than rest of the world as well. So, this just isn’t about his ability. He has won matches for India in every format, just on his own, and his stats speak for himself.
No Jasprit Bumrah in Playing XI for Asia Cup?
In Tests, in 48 matches he has 219 wickets. In ODIs he has 149 in 89, and in T20Is, he has 92 from 73. But then, Bumrah being the special bowler he is, should not be considered for T20Is now, especially if it is not in the T20 World Cup. In fact, in the ongoing Asia Cup he has looked rather ordinary, and on Sunday in the match against Pakistan, returned with his worst career figures of 0/45 in four overs; and hence should be dropped.
Just to reiterate, this isn’t about his ability; every bowler can have an off day in the office, but his performance versus Pakistan just reflected tiredness, and also the lack of plan if he is being hit for runs. Just imagine, he was hit for four fours and a six, with Fakhar Zaman punishing him in his first over itself.
Busy Schedule Ahead for Team India
That is an indication that the 31-year-old can be countered. Yes, for all you know, he might come in the next match against Bangladesh and bag a fifer, but do we really need to utilise him for a continental tournament like this? A bigger surprise was, when he was played against UAE in the first encounter — where he bagged 1/19.
Look, given how important he is in all formats — and with the IND vs WI Test series, and IND vs AUS ODI series coming up in October, he should be dropped from the Asia Cup playing XI. Then in November, South Africa come to India for a Test series too. Moreover, India in this Asia Cup have Arshdeep Singh sitting in the wings, who recently became country’s first bowler to take 100 T20I wickets.. he has been losing out, with coach Gautam Gambhir preferring Bumrah.
Arshdeep Singh an Excellent Replacement
So, there is enough in the arsenal to replace him. If a right-hander needs to be considered, then there is Harshit Rana, who has had a mixed career so far, but can be threatening at times. Of course, the final call has to be taken by the skipper Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gambhir, but perhaps it could be the correct choice for Bumrah in the long run.
Rest, as is the case with Indian cricket always, this topic too is a matter of great debate. More often than not, fans wouldn’t tolerate Bumrah being left out of any XI.
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