Gautam Gambhir believes that India shouldn’t attempt to regulate Jasprit Bumrah‘s workload during the current Asia Cup 2023. The Indian team will confront Pakistan in the Asia Cup opener on September 2nd in Pallekele. Despite having played only two T20Is after his recovery from back surgery, Bumrah is anticipated to spearhead the Indian bowling in this crucial match.
During a conversation on Star Sports, Gambhir was queried about whether Jasprit Bumrah would be inclined to handle his workload cautiously due to his return from injury. In response to this, he stated:
“Workload management is finished now. You are at a stage now where instead of workload management, you will think about more game time and bowling as much as possible, because you have the Asia Cup, then three matches against Australia, and then straightaway the World Cup.”
The ex-Indian opening batsman thinks that additional playing time will benefit the unique seam bowler. He expressed:
“The World Cup comes once in four years and no one knows what will happen after four years, the fitness and rhythm a fast bowler will have after four years. I believe the more games he plays, the better he will get. The Indian team shouldn’t start giving him breaks now.”
Gambhir highlighted the distinction between bowling fitness and general physical fitness. He also suggested that Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, and Mohammed Siraj should maintain a consistent playing schedule leading up to the World Cup.
“This is a different format” – Mohammad Kaif’s take on Jasprit Bumrah’s Asia Cup entry post T20Is against Ireland
According to Mohammad Kaif, there’s a possibility that Jasprit Bumrah might require some time to adapt to the ODI format. He further explained:
“Bumrah is coming after playing the 20-over format but this is a different format. You have to bowl 10 overs here. Yes, you can shorten your spells but he can be a little scratchy at the start. He is a great bowler, the Indian team missed him a lot and he has come back after practicing a lot.”
The ex-Indian batsman believes that the seamer from Gujarat could experience a touch of nervousness, particularly since he’s making a comeback against traditional rivals Pakistan. He mentioned:
“He looked fit but he might be slightly nervous at the start. He is straightaway playing a big match against Pakistan. There is no warmup game for him. There is no time for him to control his nerves but he is a match-winner and will adjust.”
Having secured 121 wickets in 72 ODIs with an impressive economy rate of 4.63, Bumrah hasn’t participated in an ODI since July 2022. As he prepares for the World Cup, he aims to regain his formidable form.
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