Legendary Sunil Gavaskar has advised India to rest Jasprit Bumrah in the last Super Fours stage match against Sri Lanka. India has already qualified for the final of the Asia Cup after winning its first two matches against Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Ergo, this will be a dead-rubber contest as Sri Lanka has suffered losses against Bangladesh and Pakistan. Meanwhile, Bumrah returned with impressive figures of 2-18 in his quota of four overs against Bangladesh at Dubai on Sunday. The ace pacer got the ball to swing in the Powerplay overs and troubled the Tigers’ batters.

Bumrah was also rested in the last Group A fixture against Oman, with Arshdeep Singh replacing him in the final XI. 

Sunil Gavaskar said on India Today, “I think only rest Jasprit Bumrah. That will be the thing. You saw him with his rhythm today. He might have looked off color against Pakistan, but he bowled brilliantly today. Yes, he was carted for a six, but generally he bowled really well. So, he would be the only guy that you would want to rest. Then, he gets Thursday, Friday, Saturday, three days, before he comes in for the final on Sunday.”

Meanwhile, Bumrah was taken for 45 runs against Pakistan and also went wicketless. Gavaskar said everyone is entitled to an off-day after Bumrah could not deliver.

Gavaskar added, “Everybody is entitled to an off day. We all know Bumrah is the best bowler in all three formats of the game. His rhythm was very good. Sometimes, you can have one of those days. Today, he was absolutely fine.”

Bumrah has been India’s best bowler across all formats and he has scalped 94 T20I wickets in his impressive career. 

India will take on Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, on Friday.