Gavaskar urges rest for Bumrah ahead of high-stakes Pakistan clash

Speaking to the Sony Sports Network prior to India’s 250th T20I outing, Gavaskar emphasized that the bigger match looms on September 28, when India could face Pakistan once more in a tournament decider in Dubai.

“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. That’s what India should be looking at,” Gavaskar remarked. He added that while one bench player must feature, Bumrah’s workload should be managed carefully after he returned from the England Test series and claimed three wickets in two Asia Cup appearances.

With India set to duel Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka across the next week, Gavaskar suggested that the Oman fixture serves as a perfect opportunity to experiment with the batting order rather than taxing the bowling attack. “It’s more about preparing the batters than the bowlers,” he noted, advocating for skipper Suryakumar Yadav to shuffle himself down the order.

Gavaskar’s proposed batting tweaks include retaining the opening pair but slotting Tilak Verma at number three to gain valuable match practice, while giving Sanju Samson some time at the crease. “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,” he explained.

These strategic rotations, Gavaskar believes, would not only sharpen India’s middle order ahead of the high-pressure Pakistan showdown but also serve as crucial practice for upcoming Super 4 dates against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. As Team India balances the need for rest and experimentation, all eyes will be on coach Rahul Dravid’s final playing XI when they take on Oman at the R. Premadasa Stadium.