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“I Don’t Think He Will Play…”: ABD Makes Bold Asia Cup Prediction On Jasprit Bumrah

Aakash Saini

AB de Villiers and Jasprit Bumrah [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x, AFP]AB de Villiers and Jasprit Bumrah [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x, AFP]

Former South African captain AB de Villiers has made a bold prediction involving legendary Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Analysing Team India squad for the upcoming 2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup, the RCB icon praised Bumrah for landing a spot in the Indian team, implying that the latter has justified his claim as one of the premier all-format speedsters in the world at the moment.

However, AB de Villiers also believes that Bumrah will not play all matches in the tournament, and the Indian team management will likely reserve him for important games.

AB De Villiers Praises Indian Team For ‘Managing’ Bumrah

Former South African captain AB de Villiers believes that Jasprit Bumrah will not play all matches for Team India in the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup in the UAE. He also praised the Indian team management for ‘managing’ the workload of the senior paceman. While speaking on his YouTube channel, he said:

“Great to see him in the squad, fit and ready to go. I don’t think he will play all the games. I saw reports saying he will be earmarked for the games that matter, and I love that about the selectors being proactive. That’s how you should be managing your senior and most impactful players.”

AB De Villiers also added that it is important for senior fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah to have their workload managed by the selection committee and support staff in a bid to extract the best performances out of them. He added:

“It’s not like they are picking and choosing. So much cricket these days that for your older guys, over age 30, their work has taken its toll over the years. Some selectors understand it, and some don’t. And once you start managing these players, you will get the best out of them, and I love it that they’ve started doing that with Jasprit Bumrah.”

Earlier this month, the BCCI included Jasprit Bumrah in their 15-player squad for the 2025 Asia Cup. The speedster recently played three Tests for Team India during their five-match tour of England.

Nonetheless, India’s first match of the Asia Cup 2025 will be played against UAE on September 10 in Dubai.