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'You're Not Losing Anything With Shami': Gavaskar Recommends Resting Bumrah

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image-lnwrbvniJasprit Bumrah has been in terrific form (x.com)

Ahead of India's upcoming World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has suggested giving pacer Jasprit Bumrah a break.


Gavaskar advises giving Bumrah a break ahead of Bangladesh encounter

The rationale behind this suggestion is the quick turnaround of fixtures, with India scheduled to play New Zealand in Dharamsala soon after the Bangladesh match. The two venues offer remarkably different weather conditions.

During an exclusive chat with India Today, Gavaskar pointed out the importance of acclimatizing to the contrasting weather conditions between Pune and Dharamsala. While Pune is expected to have its usual dry and warm conditions, Dharamsala is known for its cooler climate which can be more demanding on fast bowlers.

The Indian veteran's recommendation is rooted in strategic foresight. He suggested that introducing Mohammed Shami for the Bangladesh match would be a sound tactical move. By doing so, India can ensure that Bumrah is at his physical peak for the Dharamsala encounter against New Zealand, where conditions tend to favour fast bowlers more. 

Gavaskar stressed that the inclusion of Shami wouldn't significantly alter the team's existing synergy, but instead, it could offer a fresh dimension to the bowling attack.

"I think Shami is someone who they have to bring into the team because the next match in Dharamsala, in conditions which will assist a fast bowler. You need Jasprit Bumrah to be 100 per cent 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," said Gavaskar.



To further his point, Gavaskar drew attention to the recent past, mentioning how young pacer Mohammed Siraj was given a short break during a pre-World Cup 3-match series against Australia. 

This strategy allowed Siraj to come back reenergized for crucial fixtures. Using that as a precedent, Gavaskar believes that team management might contemplate a similar approach for Bumrah by possibly replacing him with Shami for the Bangladesh game.

"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," added the legendary batter.