- August 15, 2025
If there’s one thing Indian cricket fans can agree on, it’s that Jasprit Bumrah is nothing short of a modern-day legend with the ball. The lanky pacer has terrorized batters across formats, making life miserable for even the best in the business. But as India gears up for the 2025 Asia Cup, there’s a growing debate: should Team India rest Bumrah for this tournament? At 31, with workload management and a packed cricket calendar, this might just be the smartest move for both him and the team. Here’s why.
India has proven it can win in Dubai without Bumrah
Dubai has been a stronghold of India, with a remarkable record that does not include Bumrah. Earlier this year, during the 2025 Champions Trophy, Bumrah was out of the team due to injury. Again, it did not matter. India employed a devious strategy that included four spinners, with Arshdeep Singh as the only specialist pacer, and crushed the opposition on the slow, low pitches.
Fast-forward to the Asia Cup, and the situation is almost identical: slow pitches, conducive to spin. Team India does not need Bumrah to get it done here. By following the successful Champions Trophy plan, India can give Bumrah a break and still aim for Asia Cup glory. Why destroy the body of a world-class bowler anyhow, when the team has already learnt how to win in Dubai without him?
India needs Bumrah more in Tests than T20s right now
Now, for the bigger picture. India’s Test side is going through a phase of transition with big names such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin announcing their retirements in recent months. The West Indies Test series in home conditions is not far away, and that’s when they will need Bumrah back in top form.
Meanwhile, T20s are emerging as yet another new area of strength for India. Bumrah has captained India to an impressive 17 wins out of their next 20 T20Is, given his Player of the Tournament’s efforts in the 2024 T20 World Cup. That is no fluke and illustrates the depth of the group. Bumrah has chosen to sit out the Asia Cup to fully rest and recover, but most importantly, to lead the pace attack in Tests, in which he has no replacement.
Pushing Bumrah Now Might Backfire on India
Let’s be real—Bumrah isn’t invincible. The England series highlighted just how crucial workload management is. He missed the final Test, reportedly dealing with a knee issue, and his speed dipped noticeably in Manchester. Pushing him back into action for the Asia Cup could risk a longer-term injury, which nobody wants.
India’s strategy teeters on a fine edge—sometimes the best weapon is letting Bumrah catch his breath. The pitches in Dubai are very well established to allow India to use its spinners anyway they want. The Test team needs Bumrah more than the T20s do at this moment, so getting his fitness right for the long-term overrides anything at this tournament. Can we agree that smart cricket is sometimes about not playing your best players all the time and knowing when to unleash them?
FAQs:
- What strategy did India use in Dubai without Bumrah?
They relied on a four-spinner strategy with only one specialist pacer.
- Has India performed well in T20Is without Bumrah recently?
Yes, they won 17 out of 20 T20Is after the 2024 T20 World Cup without him.
- Did Bumrah have any injury concerns during the England series?
Yes, he reportedly had a knee issue that affected his pace in the Manchester Test.
