Former India opener Gautam Gambhir feels India shouldn’t look to manage Jasprit Bumrah’s workload in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. However, India will take on Pakistan in their Asia Cup opener in Pallekele on Saturday, September 2. Bumrah, who has played just two T20Is since his return from back surgery, is likely to lead the Indian bowling attack in the much-awaited game.

During a discussion on Star Sports, Gambhir said: “Workload management is finished now. You are at a stage now where instead of workload management, you will think about more game time and bowling as much as possible, because you have the Asia Cup, then three matches against Australia, and then straightaway the World Cup. The World Cup comes once in four years and no one knows what will happen after four years, the fitness and rhythm a fast bowler will have after four years. I believe the more games he plays, the better he will get. The Indian team shouldn’t start giving him breaks now.”

However, Gautam Gambhir pointed out that bowling fitness is totally different from being physically fit. He again stated that Bumrah, Mohammad Shami and Mohammed Siraj should play continuously until the World Cup as well. Meanwhile, Mohammad Kaif also added that Jasprit Bumrah might take a little time to adjust to ODI cricket.

“Bumrah is coming after playing the 20-over format but this is a different format. You have to bowl 10 overs here. Yes, you can shorten your spells but he can be a little scratchy at the start. He is a great bowler, the Indian team missed him a lot and he has come back after practicing a lot. He looked fit but he might be slightly nervous at the start. He is straightaway playing a big match against Pakistan. There is no warmup game for him. There is no time for him to control his nerves but he is a match-winner and will adjust,” he shared.