India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has said that Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to be rested for the remainder of the Asia Cup, despite a two-match home Test series against the West Indies beginning early next month.
Bumrah’s workload has been closely managed throughout the year due to persistent back issues. The 31-year-old played only three of the five Tests in India’s recent 2-2 draw with England.
India, the defending champions in the Asia Cup Twenty20 tournament, are due to face Sri Lanka on Friday and are expected to feature in Sunday’s final. They will then turn their focus to the Test series against the West Indies, starting on 2 October.
“I’d say it’s unlikely that he’ll get a rest,” Ten Doeschate said ahead of Wednesday’s Super Four match against Bangladesh in Dubai. “Also bearing in mind we have a Test match starting next Thursday. So it’s actually quite good preparation in terms of workload management.
“So if we have the luxury to have that option in the last game, we can look at it. But I’d say we’re going to pick our best team for every game. He obviously fits into that picture.”
Bumrah has taken three wickets in the tournament so far, with an economy rate of 8.36. He endured a tough outing against Pakistan on Sunday, conceding 45 runs without taking a wicket in India’s victory.
“There’s going to be days where he doesn’t get wickets and he’s going to go for runs,” Ten Doeschate said. “But in terms of how we set up the team, obviously with two seamers and going spin-heavy, we feel at the moment that’s the best job.”
The assistant coach also acknowledged the demands being placed on Bumrah. “You don’t see many bowlers in this format bowling all three overs in the powerplay. So it’s quite strenuous as well,” he said.
“But we feel it’s the right amount of work going into the Test match and obviously the importance of this competition as well.”
