I am a bit surprised that Jasprit Bumrah is playing these T20Is : Ashish Nehra

Former Indian fast bowler, Ashish Nehra, has stated being surprised with the Indian team’s call to field Jasprit Bumrah in the T20I series against Sri Lanka. Nehra believes that with one eye on the 2022 World T20 in Australia, India had the opportunity to get a look at some other fast bowling options in their reserves.

The 42-year-old stated that considering the T20I series is to be followed by Two Test matches, there is a lot of cricket to be played. He feels bowlers such as Mohammed Siraj and Avesh Khan who appear to have potential but have not played too many T20Is could have been given a go. The former left-arm pacer also thinks Bhuvneshwar Kumar is one of the bowlers who could use some game time, as Bumrah’s inclusion would mean that at least one of the other three bowlers will have to miss out.

“I am a bit surprised that Jasprit Bumrah is playing these T20Is considering there are two Test matches after this,” Nehra said on Cricbuzz.

“Yes, players would want to play as many matches as possible but there is a lot of cricket left to play. There are a lot of fast bowlers who can be given more matches to play like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Siraj, Avesh Khan has played only one match. When Bumrah comes in one of these players will have to sit out,” he added.

Notably, the recently concluded three-match T20I series vs West Indies saw several fast bowlers like Deepak Chahar, Avesh Khan, Shardul Thakur and Siraj being given useful game time. Both Bumrah and senior bowler, Mohammed Shami, were given rest for the series.

Ravindra Jadeja always improves the team’s combination in all formats: Ashish Nehra

The series against Sri Lanka will also see the return of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who has been on the sidelines during the last two months of India’s international assignments, owing to an injury. Nehra feels the 33-year old’s return is a plus as it strengthens the team and improves its combinations across formats. Nehra stated that the presence of both the senior men in Bumrah and Jadeja would be a welcome addition to India’s squad.

“Jadeja’s return is a plus, he always improves the team’s combination in all formats. In the last two or three years, the way he has improved his batting, he is no longer a No.7 or No.8 player and in ODIs and T20Is, he can bat at even No.6 if the conditions are good. Both of them are senior players so their presence will put a lot of pressure on Sri Lanka,” said Nehra.

Sri Lanka’s tour of India constitutes three T20Is and two Test matches.