Rest or Play? Will Bumrah Be Benched Against Oman To Manage Workload?
- India crushed Pakistan by 7 wickets in just 15.5 overs in their Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash.
- Jasprit Bumrah impressed with 2 wickets for 28 runs in 4 overs.
- India, already qualified for the Super Four, next face Oman on Sept 19.
- Debate continues on whether Bumrah should be rested or retained for workload management.
Team India continued their dominant run in the Asia Cup 2025, registering a commanding seven-wicket win over Pakistan in their Group A fixture at the Dubai International Stadium. Chasing a modest target, India wrapped up the game in just 15.5 overs, notching their second successive win after beating the UAE in their opening match.
The victory was set up by India’s bowling attack, with Jasprit Bumrah once again proving his worth. The star pacer finished with figures of 2/28 in 4 overs, striking key blows early in Pakistan’s innings and tightening India’s grip on the contest.
Why Bumrah May Be Rested Against Oman
While Bumrah’s class remains unquestionable, questions have been raised over his immediate role in the next fixture. India are set to face Oman on September 19, but with a five-day gap before the game and a Super Four spot already sealed, the management might consider rotating the squad.
Bumrah has bowled a total of seven overs in the last two matches — three against UAE and four against Pakistan. Though not overworked, his recent injury history means the team could prioritize workload management. Bumrah had also missed two Tests in the recently concluded series against England, raising concerns about overuse.
This clash against Oman isn’t a must-win, opening the door for bench players like Harshit Rana or Arshdeep Singh to get valuable match time. With the crucial Super Four stage looming, India might prefer to rest Bumrah and ensure he is fresh for tougher battles ahead.
Why Bumrah Should Still Play
However, the counter-argument suggests Bumrah could benefit from another outing. His form, while effective, hasn’t quite hit peak levels yet. Against the UAE, he conceded 19 runs in 3 overs in a low-scoring game, while against Pakistan, he gave away 28 in 4 overs despite bagging two wickets.
Supporters of this view believe that Bumrah needs rhythm, and skipping the Oman fixture might not help him regain his absolute best. With five days of rest available before the match and plenty of recovery time during the group stage, the pacer could be fielded to sharpen his skills before India take on stronger opponents.
The Road Ahead
India’s bench strength is enviable, with pacers like Harshit Rana waiting for opportunities. But given the high-pressure nature of Asia Cup knockouts, the team management faces a delicate balance — between giving game time to reserves and keeping their spearhead battle-ready.
Whatever the decision, India head into the Oman clash with confidence, having showcased their superiority against both UAE and Pakistan. Captain Suryakumar Yadav will now have to weigh up whether to unleash Bumrah again, or preserve him for the bigger challenges of the Super Four stage.
