Former India player Robin Uthappa believes that Team India should rest their pacer Jasprit Bumrah for their upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup match against Bangladesh. He also added that the speedster should be given a break to ensure he remains in good phase at the back end of the tournament as well. However, India registered a 47-run win over Afghanistan in the Super 8 in Barbados on Thursday, June 20.
He said on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube channel: “When it comes to an overnight journey with lactic acid buildup and all of these other scientific aspects, to err on the side of safety, especially in a World Cup tournament, Siraj is bowling well. It’s an opportunity for him to sharpen his death-bowling skills. As far as I am concerned, Bumrah is the God of death-bowling. I have very rarely, if ever, seen him get pummeled in or taken for runs in the death.”
He also added that a prized possession like Bumrah must be protected at all costs. He shared that it was crucial to give Bumrah a break from time to time, considering the stress his unorthodox bowling action puts on his body as well. Robin Uthappa said that by giving Jasprit Bumrah a break, India can give Mohammed Siraj a chance to play in the West Indies as well.
“My feeling is that when you have strength and when you are playing a tournament like this, you have to respect Bumrah’s age and his actions. His actions put a lot of stress on his body. So, he is like a prized possession,” he added. “I feel you can afford to give him a break. Bring Siraj in. Because Siraj is also bowling beautifully. He will get a feel for what it is like to bowl in the West Indies as well. Otherwise, I don’t see any other changes, bro. I don’t think there is a necessity,” he again shared.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Manjrekar also opened up on this as well.
“Jasprit Bumrah is performing in USA and West Indies just like Sunil Narine at Eden Gardens during the IPL. He’s looking even better and when you look at all the top-class bowlers around the world. There’s a big margin between them and Bumrah and India is so fortunate to have him in your playing 11,” he added.
