There’s just about no relaxation interval between the Asia Cup, ending on September 28, and the India vs West Indies Take a look at collection, beginning on October 2.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has a tough task cut out for them. Handling Jasprit Bumrah’s workload will be a major headache. Deciding what matches or series the fast bowler should be selected for to ensure he doesn’t get injured isn’t going to be easy.
The scrutiny that follows won’t be great either. Former cricketers and even selectors have questioned the BCCI for resting Bumrah for two Test matches during India’s tour of England. All the eyeballs will be stuck on them, managing Bumrah.
Test vs Asia Cup conundrum
After resting for over a month, the BCCI has decided to use Bumrah again. Earlier today, India’s squad for the Asia Cup 2025 was announced. Keeping the T20 World Cup 2026 in mind, the ace pacer was selected. However, there is a problem. If Bumrah plays in the Asia Cup, can he feature in the India vs West Indies Test series?
By picking Bumrah, the BCCI is prioritising the next ICC tournament. However, this could mean the fast bowler might have to skip playing in his favourite format. Placed with Pakistan, UAE, and Oman in Group A of the Asia Cup, it’s almost certain India would qualify for the Super Four stage.
If India doesn’t qualify for the Asia Cup Final, they’ll be in action until September 25 or 26, but if they do, the tournament won’t end until September 28. Just 5 days later, on October 2, the India vs West Indies Test series will begin.
In an ideal scenario, the BCCI will want Bumrah to play. One can’t forget India lost the last Test series at home against New Zealand. But the load of playing Test cricket isn’t light, especially after no preparations. There is virtually no rest period between the first and second Test either since the second one starts on October 10.
Agarkar speaks on Bumrah’s workload
BCCI chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, was asked about managing Bumrah. He stated the medical staff has been monitoring the fast bowler with a keen eye for the last couple of years. Agarkar stated that the aim is to play Bumrah in important Test series and tournaments like the Asia Cup.
“I don’t think there is any written plan at the moment. There has been a nice break after the England series. The team management, the physios, or the people concerned are always in touch (with him). It’s not just now; even before his injury, we tried to look after him because we know how valuable he is,” Agarkar said at the squad announcement press conference.
“We want him available for all the big games. I know in international cricket, every game is a big game. But there are World Cups, there is the Champions Trophy, or big series like England or Australia. Because he has picked up an injury over the last 2-3 years, we pay extra attention due to how unique and how special he is, and it won’t change. It won’t change whether it’s this series or in the next 6 months.”
“As we go along, how he is feeling and when we require him as a team, which is probably the most important thing, and along with the physios and the trainers, those things are monitored. We hope that he is available more often than not,” Agarkar added.
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