The reports go on to say that India might entertain the idea of resting their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah in the final group-stage match against Oman in Asia Cup 2025. The management may consider resting Bumrah and give opportunities to others, including Arshdeep Singh, in the Super Four stage of the eight-team tournament.
After two wins, India have cemented their place in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup. On Thursday, September 19, the Men in Blue will take on Oman at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi for their last group-stage match, this may be when the Suryakumar Yadav – led band test their bench strength for the next stage.
It has been speculated all over that India might rest Jasprit Bumrah in the clash against Oman. No confirmation has been given by the board, but they might be looking at easing the workload of the premier fast bowler.
If India advance to the Asia Cup final, then they would be looking at playing four matches in just seven days. Therefore, the management would try to keep Bumrah fit for the crucial period of the tournament while giving Arshdeep Singh a good amount of game time.
In his spell against Pakistan, Bumrah secured two wickets for 28 runs. He bettered Bhuvneshwar Kumar and came forth in the list of all-time T20I wicket-takers for India. The Lankan pacer has 92 wickets from 72 matches at an average of 17.67, while his economy rate stands at 6.29.
In the Asia Cup 2025, India started with two consecutive wins. In the opening match on September 9, the Indians defeated UAE by nine wickets whereas in the second, they defeated Pakistan by seven wickets. They now lead the group with one game remaining.
Arshdeep Singh did not play the first two games. Bumrah was the only frontline pacer, while all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube offered some pace options. The Indians went in unchanged for the showdown against Pakistan.
Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana are competing for the spot that will see Bumrah sitting out. Arshdeep is just one wicket away from joining the exclusive club of eight Indian bowlers with 100 T20I wickets and would also bring some left-arm variation to India’s bowling.
