Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has recommended two changes in the Indian XI for the team’s last match in Group A in the Asia Cup against Oman to be played tonight.
He feels fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah should be rested looking ahead to the bigger matches and captain Suryakumar Yadav should bat lower in the order to give otherbatters more time in the middle.
India have already qualified for the Super Four stage after beating the UAE and Pakistan.
Gavaskar believes these changes will keep Bumrah fit for the Super Four stage and give other players like Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson valuable match practice before the big clash with Pakistan.
Speaking to Sony, Gavaskar stressed on keeping Bumrah fit. “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. Of course, there will still be need to include a bench player, but Bumrah should be left out for this game,” Gavaskar said.
Gavaskar also pointed out that Suryakumar can help the team by batting lower down the order. “I would like to think that India would consider batting first and keep the same opening pair. Maybe No. 3, 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 said.
“This would give the batters some practice not just for the game against Pakistan, but also for the upcoming Super Four matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. It’s more about preparing the batters than the bowlers,” Gavaskar concluded.
India will meet Oman today at Sheikh Zayed Stadium and face Pakistan in theSuper Four showdown on Sunday, September 21.
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