Over the last few months, Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management became one of the major talking points in Indian cricket, with the fast bowler featuring in just three Tests against England, following the advice of the BCCI’s medical team.
While questions were raised over his future across formats, Bumrah was picked in India’s squad for the Asia Cup, to be played in Dubai next month.
Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the selection committee, made it clear that there’s ‘no written roadmap’ and the team management would like to have him in the squad for big tournaments.
Check out the full squad here – Indian team for Asia Cup
“I don’t think there’s any written plan. It has been a nice break after the England series. The physios, team management have been in touch, and clearly we want him available for all the big games,” Agarkar said on Tuesday.
“There are World Cups, Champions Trophy, big series like the ones against England, Australia – you want him available,” he added.
Being a former Indian fast bowler himself, Agarkar understands the challenges faced by a pacer when he picks up injuries, and keeping that in mind, he admitted that given how special and unique Bumrah is, the team would benefit from his presence in big games.
“Based on how he’s feeling and how we require him, we hope he’s available more often than not,” Agarkar said, indicating that Bumrah would continue to be available across formats, contrary to speculations suggesting that he could focus on just the shorter format.
After a month-long break, India is expected to reach Dubai in advance in a bid to get used to the conditions ahead of the Asian tournament.
