'He should be left out...': Sunil Gavaskar wants Jasprit Bumrah to be rested for India's upcoming Asia Cup clashes against Oman and Pakistan

Legendary India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has suggested the team management to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the side's next two matches in Asia Cup 2025. This not only includes the Men in Blue's final group stage fixture against Oman on September 19, but also their opening Super 4 clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 21.

Gavaskar believes that India can make a handful of changes to their playing XI for the clash against Oman. He suggested that Tilak Varma can be elevated up the order while Sanju Samson can also be given a chance in the playing XI. He further reamrked that Bumrah should be rested for the side's next two matches so that he is fully fit for the final which is set to be played on September 28.

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“I would like to think that India would consider batting first and keep the same opening pair. Maybe number three, Suryakumar Yadav, the skipper, could drop himself down the order, giving Tilak Verma a chance for some time at the crease and allowing Sanju Samson a bit of a hit as well. This would give the batters some practice not just for the game against Pakistan, but also for the upcoming Super 4 matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. It’s more about preparing the batters than the bowlers," Gavaskar told broadcasters.

“I believe Jasprit Bumrah should be rested, perhaps even for the Pakistan game, so he’s available for the bigger match on Sunday, the 28th, which is against Sri Lanka. That’s what India should be looking at. Of course, there will still need to be one bench player included, but Bumrah should be left out for tomorrow’s game to give him rest,” he added.

Rana likely to replace Bumrah

India secured their place in the Super 4 stage with the victory over Pakistan in their second match, meaning that they can afford to rest some key players in the clash against Oman. If Bumrah does end up on the bench for the match, then Harshit Rana is likely to replace him in the playing XI.

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Meanwhile, Bumrah has so far picked up three wickets in India's ongoing Asia Cup campaign. Though the 31-year-old has bowled well, the spinners have been the ones to inflict the most damage on opposing batters. The spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel have been dominant on the UAE tracks and have carried India's bowling department so far in the tournament.