Asia Cup 2025: ‘Bumrah shouldn’t be played against Pakistan’ – Sunil Gavaskar gives big advice to the Indian team

Legendary Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar has offered strategic advice to Team India ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, emphasizing the careful management of key players like fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. With India comfortably topping Group A after victories over the UAE and Pakistan, Gavaskar suggested that the upcoming match against Oman in Abu Dhabi offers a perfect opportunity to rest Bumrah and experiment with the team lineup. The Super Four stage is set to begin this weekend, with the high-profile India-Pakistan clash scheduled for September 21, 2025, making player management a critical factor.

Speaking to *India Today*, Gavaskar stressed the importance of preparing the batsmen for the crucial matches ahead rather than overburdening the bowlers. “This will give the batsmen some practice not only for the match against Pakistan, but also for the Super Four matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. It’s about preparing the batsmen, not the bowlers,” he explained. Highlighting the need to manage workload, Gavaskar added, “I believe Jasprit Bumrah should be rested, perhaps even for the match against Pakistan, so that he is available for the big match against Sri Lanka on Sunday, the 28th. This is what India should consider. Of course, a player will have to be included, but Bumrah should be left out of tomorrow’s match so that he can get some rest.”

Gavaskar’s recommendations also focused on giving middle-order batsmen more exposure. Since many of them have had limited playing time so far in the tournament, the match against Oman presents an opportunity to test bench strength and allow key players to settle into their roles. “I think India will decide to bat first and keep the same opening pair. Perhaps Suryakumar Yadav, as captain, can bat down the order at number three, giving Tilak Varma some time at the crease, and Sanju Samson a chance to bat for a while,” Gavaskar suggested, indicating the potential for strategic batting reshuffles.

India’s probable XI against Oman, according to Gavaskar’s insights, could include Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill at the top, followed by Suryakumar Yadav at number three. Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson, who will also keep wickets, are likely to anchor the middle order. All-rounders Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya can provide balance with their batting and bowling capabilities, while Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to manage the spin attack. Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy could take care of the pace and spin options at the death overs, providing depth and flexibility to the bowling unit.

By rotating Bumrah and experimenting with the middle order, India can ensure that their key players are well-rested and match-ready for high-stakes encounters in the Super Four stage. Gavaskar’s advice reflects a long-term vision, prioritizing preparation over short-term gains in the group stage. The focus will be on giving opportunities to emerging players while keeping core stars fresh for matches against stronger opponents like Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

With the Asia Cup being a key precursor to global tournaments and a platform for players to fine-tune their form, Gavaskar’s guidance underscores the importance of tactical rotation and strategic planning. India’s management will likely follow his suggestions closely, ensuring that Jasprit Bumrah returns fully fit and that the middle-order batsmen gain valuable experience before facing the continent’s toughest teams. The approach is designed to maintain momentum while safeguarding the fitness and performance levels of the squad, making India a formidable contender as the tournament progresses.

Overall, Gavaskar’s insights provide clarity on how India can balance player workload, test bench strength, and ensure that key players like Bumrah and top-order batsmen are primed for success in the Super Four and beyond.