By Feroz Khan,News18

Copyright news18

Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has a few suggestions for the Indian cricket team as they gear up for the business end of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. The Suryakumar Yadav-led team has advanced into the Super Four stage after winning both their Group A fixtures against UAE and Pakistan. They now face Oman in an inconsequential contest on Friday night in Abu Dhabi.
Gavaskar has advised India to rest their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for the Oman tie and even their first match of the Super Four stage against Pakistan. He feels it will keep Bumrah fresh for the “bigger match” i.e. the Asia Cup final slated for September 28.
The 31-year-old Bumrah, whose workload management continues to be a major talking point, has bowled seven overs across two matches in the competition so far.
“I believe Jasprit Bumrah should be rested, perhaps even for the Pakistan game, so he’s available for the bigger match on Sunday, the 28th (Asia Cup final),” Gavaskar said on Sony Sports Network. “That’s what India should be looking at. Of course, there will still need to be one bench player included, but Bumrah should be left out for tomorrow’s game to give him rest.”
Additionally, he has advised a few changes in their batting order given Indian batters have hardly been tested in the opening two matches. Against UAE, they chased down a small target of 58 inside five overs to win by 9 wickets. Then against Pakistan, they overhauled the target of 128 in 15.5 overs for a seven-wicket win.
Per Gavaskar, skipper Suryakumar can demote himself down the batting order to allow Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson to have a hit.
“I would like to think that India would consider batting first and keep the same opening pair. Maybe number three, Suryakumar Yadav, the skipper, could drop himself down the order, giving Tilak Varma a chance for some time at the crease and allowing Sanju Samson a bit of a hit as well,” said Gavaskar.
“This would give the batters some practice not just for the game against Pakistan, but also for the upcoming Super 4 matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. It’s more about preparing the batters than the bowlers,” he added.