Star speedster Jasprit Bumrah, who has often missed out on crucial matches due to workload concerns, is likely to play in the Asia Cup opener against the UAE as India look forward to starting with a fully strong team.
However, former batter Ajay Jadeja has argued over the need to have Jasprit Bumrah in games against minnow teams after having rested him in crucial match-winning games. This has come after Bumrah has been rested from playing in several crucial games over the course of the last few months.
He was absent from India’s playing XI in the two decisive Tests during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. India won the Birmingham Test after a losing start to the series and the final Test at the Oval, and both games marked Jasprit Bumrah’s unavailability.
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Jasprit Bumrah set to mark international white-ball return since T20 World Cup final
Ace speedster Jasprit Bumrah, who is often regarded as the greatest among modern pacers, has not played for India in white-ball cricket since the last T20 World Cup Final in 2024. He was not part of the bilaterals in the shortest format of the game.
On the other hand, following the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Jasprit Bumrah had pulled an injury in the form of a stress fracture, which ruled him out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which India won in the UAE.
With an eye on the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, Jasprit returns to the Indian white-ball side and is all set to end his 1-year absence with the Asia Cup opener against the UAE. He is expected to feature since Gautam Gambhir is expected to launch a fully strong team.
Ajay Jadeja questions Bumrah’s unnecessary involvement in the match against the UAE
With the possibility that Bumrah might start in the Asia Cup opener for India against the UAE, former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja has come out in protest against the decision made by the Indian management.
“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? (Now you need Bumrah even against the UAE?) 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, speaking on the Sony Sports Network.
He has claimed that it is mindless to make him play against such a weaker opposition and has vowed that he would go on a strike if the team management decides to give the pacer a game tonight.
“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,” he concluded on Sony Sports Network.
Irfan Pathan echoes Jadeja’s exact take on Bumrah
The former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan had earlier made the same remark on Jasprit Bumrah’s availability, as he too disregarded the concept of workload management after a player has been picked in the squad for a series or tournament.
“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,” said Pathan.
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