Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah has made his much-awaited return in the shortest format of the game; however, he has been assigned a new role in the Asia Cup contest, and former batter Mohammad Kaif has dropped a massive drawback of this new strategy.
The world’s most deadly pacer in the modern-day game, Jasprit Bumrah, has often been troubled by his frequent injuries. On several occasions, Bumrah has been left out of crucial ICC tournaments due to injuries.
The pacer has been concerned about his workload management, as a result of which he even missed some of the most crucial fixtures between India and England in last month’s Anderson-Tendulkar trophy. Jasprit Bumrah was also criticized for the decisions.
Jasprit Bumrah’s new role can be a disaster for the Indian team in the World Cup
In the Asia Cup 2025, pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been the only frontline pacer for the Men in Blue side. He has been supported by the three Indian spinners and all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Even Shivam Dube has been performing well with the white ball.
However, despite Bumrah featuring in all games for India, the Indian coach Gautam Gambhir possibly has a new role for the ace speedster in order to keep his injury proneness under check.
Bumrah, in this Asia Cup, has been used up within the powerplay by the skipper Suryakumar Yadav. Jasprit Bumrah has bowled three overs within the power play in every game he has played in the 2025 Asia Cup. This strategy is probably due to utilizing Bumrah when he is warmed up with the new ball.
Former player Mohammad Kaif has cited this as a major concern, since only 1 over of Jasprit Bumrah left for the 14 overs in a game would take away the mental pressure from the opposition sides while they face the Indian bowlers.
“Bumrah under Rohit would generally bowl overs 1, 13, 17, 19. Under Surya, in the Asia Cup, he bowled a three-over spell at the start. To avoid injury, Bumrah these days prefers to bowl while his body is warmed up. 1 over of Bumrah in the remaining 14 overs is a huge relief for batters; against stronger teams at the World Cup, this could hurt India,” tweeted Mohammad Kaif on his X handle.
Arshdeep Singh, India’s no. 1 pacer in T20s, is an ideal partner for Bumrah
The Indian playing XI in the Asia Cup 2025 has noticed another major change. Speedster Arshdeep Singh, who is the best Indian pacer in the shortest format of the game and has picked 100 wickets for India, has been dropped from the Indian side.
He has often been referred to as the ideal bowling partner for Jasprit Bumrah. The duo was extremely successful in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup. Arshdeep Singh was also the highest wicket taker for India in the World Cup, while Bumrah was No.2 on the list and he was also the Player of the tournament.
However, Gautam Gambhir’s strategies with Arshdeep Singh have been unclear.
Jasprit Bumrah has been deemed fit for the upcoming home Test series
Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been named in the Indian squad for the West Indies Test series, and they have also named some new players in the side. While announcing the squad, national selector Ajit Agarkar has made it clear that the pacer is well-rested and is good to continue in the series.
“This tournament (the ongoing Asia Cup here, where Bumrah is playing) has been fairly spaced out till this last week. He’s ready and keen to play both Test matches,” said Agarkar on Bumrah’s willingness to play in the upcoming Test series.