Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has suggested that India should consider resting Jasprit Bumrah for their upcoming match against Bangladesh in the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2023. Bumrah has been in excellent form in the tournament so far, picking up two wickets for just 19 runs in seven overs in India’s opening match against Pakistan. However, Gavaskar believes that it would be prudent to give Bumrah a break, especially considering the fact that India has a quick turnaround to face New Zealand in their next match.

“You need Jasprit Bumrah to be 100 percent there. Also, there is just a couple of days gap between the game against Bangladesh in Pune and New Zealand in Dharamsala. There is going to be a change in weather also. Ideally, I think Jasprit Bumrah be given a bit of break and then maybe Shami comes in,” Sunil Gavaskar said as quoted by India Today.

Gavaskar also pointed out that the weather conditions in Pune and Dharamsala are very different. Pune is a hot and humid city, while Dharamsala is much cooler and drier. This change in weather could impact the players’ performance, and Gavaskar believes that it is important to manage their workload accordingly.

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“There is a big difference in the weather conditions between Pune and Dharamsala. So, you need to think about the combination. You don’t want to play Bumrah in both matches and then he gets injured. It is better to give him a break in one match and then play him in the next,” Sunil Gavaskar said.

Sunil Gavaskar also suggested that Mohammed Shami could be a suitable replacement for Bumrah in the match against Bangladesh. Shami is another experienced bowler who can bowl well in both seam and spin conditions.

“You really are not losing anything with Shami coming back in the team. Siraj had a bit of a breather against the Australians in the 3-match series before the World Cup. Shami coming in against Bangladesh is something that the think tank might think of,” Sunil Gavaskar said.

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Overall, Gavaskar’s suggestion to rest Bumrah is a sensible one. Bumrah is India’s most important bowler, and keeping him fresh for the crucial matches ahead is important. India have a strong bowling attack, and they can afford to rest Bumrah for one match without too much risk.