Jasprit Bumrah should be given a bit of break, Mohammed Shami can come in for Bangladesh clash: Sunil Gavaskar

Indian Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar advises India to consider resting Jasprit Bumrah in their imminent clash with Bangladesh at Pune's Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on October 19. Bumrah's red-hot form, as demonstrated by his impressive figures of two wickets for just 19 runs in seven overs against Pakistan, makes this suggestion a strategic choice. India's quick turnaround to face New Zealand in Dharamsala underscores the importance of managing their premier bowler's workload.

Notably, the disparate weather conditions anticipated at the two distinct venues form a pivotal element in Gavaskar's perspective. He opines that India, owing to this climatic contrast, might consider tweaking their playing combinations for the impending encounter. Gavaskar suggested that Mohammed Shami could be a viable replacement for Bumrah in the game against Bangladesh. Such a strategic maneuver, he asserts, would ensure a measured alteration in India's team dynamics. 

“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," Gavaskar said as quoted by India Today.

You really are not losing anything with Shami coming back: Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar emphasized the importance of retaining Shardul Thakur within the team, highlighting the pace bowler's well-defined role. In his assessment, the 74-year-old advocated for a strategic respite for Jasprit, underscoring the potential benefits in terms of maintaining the right arm pacer's vitality throughout the tournament. This would obviate the need for replacing Thakur with an additional bowler, preserving the team's essential batting balance.

"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," Gavaskar concluded.

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