Sunil Gavaskar opens up on Jasprit Bumrah’s selection ahead of IND vs OMA Asia Cup 2025 match

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar reckons Jasprit Bumrah should be rested for the Asia Cup clash against Oman on Friday. Bumrah played in the first two Group A fixtures against the UAE and Pakistan and did a decent job as the solitary frontline pacer.

If Bumrah is rested against Oman, then Arshdeep Singh can be given a chance in the final XI as the left-arm seamer hasn’t yet played a single game in the continental tournament. In fact, Gavaskar said Bumrah can be rested for the Super Four clash against Pakistan on Sunday so that the gun fast bowler remains fresh for the Asia Cup final.

“I believe Jasprit Bumrah should be rested perhaps even against Pakistan, 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,” Gavaskar said in an interaction with Sony Sports Network.

Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah has scalped three wickets in two matches of the Asia Cup at an average of 15.66 and an economy rate of 6.71. Bumrah returned with decent figures of 2-28 in four overs he bowled against arch-rivals Pakistan.

On the other hand, Gavaskar wants India to bat first against Oman and give Tilak Varma a go at one drop.

“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.

“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,” he added.

India will next take on Oman at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Friday.