Two impressive wins in two matches: defeating the UAE by 9 wickets and Pakistan by 7 wickets. The final group stage match against Oman is scheduled for September 19th at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
But there’s a big twist here. Star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah may be rested.
What’s the whole matter?
The team management’s focus is clearly on workload management. If India reaches the final, they may have to play four matches in seven days. Bumrah has bowled brilliantly in the tournament so far.
He took two wickets for 28 runs against Pakistan, moving him to fourth place on India’s T20I wicket-taking list.
According to a PTI report, “India are set to rest Jasprit Bumrah for their final Asia Cup group-stage match against Oman.”
As for Bumrah’s replacement, the main contender is Arshdeep Singh. This left-arm pacer hasn’t played in two matches yet, but if given the opportunity, he could make a splash.
With just one more wicket, he will become the eighth Indian bowler to reach 100 T20I wickets. Harshit Rana is also in the running, having impressed with his sharp bowling in the IPL.
On the other hand, there could be rotation in the batting. Players like Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya will get more time in the middle order. Young Rinku Singh could also get a chance.
The team, captained by Suryakumar Yadav, is preparing for the Super Four. The Oman match will test its bench strength.
Probable XI: Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma, Suryakumar (captain), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dubey, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav.
