Mumbai: The Indian cricket fans can now breathe with comfort because the No. 1 fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has been selected in the team for the upcoming Asia Cup, thus eliminating doubts about his fitness and silencing those who criticise him.
A decisive shot in the arm for Team India, Bumrah’s selection came after his declaration to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selection panel. This, indicating that he intends to spearhead the attack in the forthcoming T20 tournament, which is scheduled to commence on 9 September in the United Arab.
Bumrah’s inclusion could transform the fortunes of Team India in the high-pressure competition. His fitness and workload concerns have put him in jeopardy, particularly after he only played three Test matches in the five-match series against England. There were several suggestions that since the veteran pacer was still required in future engagements, like the upcoming Test series against the West Indies in October, he should be rested from playing in the Asia Cup so as to maintain his health to play in the future. However, the 31-year-old has laid speculations to rest, battling that he is willing to be the leader of the bowling unit in the UAE pitches, which are known to tilt towards spinners.
A BCCI source told The Indian Express, “It is a game changer by Jasprit. Being with us not only makes up our bowling but also relieves pressure on the other pacers.”
This is because with Bumrah expected in the team, the pace battery would take the form of the former and all-rounder Hardik Pandya, with a mixture of Arshdeep Singh taking the duties of the other seamer. This cradle is likely to be subsidiary to the anticipated spin-tractable surfaces, particularly at Dubai International Stadium, where India gets to host arch-enemies Pakistan on 14 September.
The recent event of the fourth test match of Bumrah against England, which was played in Manchester between 23 and 27 July, was his final performance in the competition, where he was used for limited times during the last days. A long break in the T20 scene, with the last such game coming on June 29, 2024, however, has given him time to work on his fitness and pave the way towards the Asia Cup. His comeback is broadly envisioned to strengthen the future of India, especially after the country had a quite successful 2024 campaign that resulted in the win in the T20 World Cup.
The Asia Cup, to be held between September 19 and 28, will no doubt prove challenging to India as it starts slow with a game against the United Arab Emirates. With the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav and under the guidance of coach Gautam Gambhir, India boasts a spectacular track record in the 41-year-old tournament. With India having won a record 8 of the 16 Asia Cup tournaments thus far, it is a serious contender to winning the title again.
As expectations are rising, the dedication that Bumrah has shown has increased the team’s morale. His characteristic yorkers and death-over prowess could become a turning point and make India win the title in a competition where every game is crucial.