India’s star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has made himself available to play the forthcoming Asia Cup in Dubai, a Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) source said. The Indian Express understands that Bumrah had spoken to the selectors a few days ago and informed them about his readiness to play.
The senior selection committee headed by former all-rounder Ajit Agarkar is expected to meet on August 19 in Mumbai to pick a 15-member squad for forthcoming Asia Cup, which is scheduled to be played from September 9 to 28 in UAE in the T20 format.
“Bumrah has informed the selectors that he will be available for Asia Cup selection. The selection committee will meet and discuss it when they meet next week,” the source said.
Bumrah was released from the Test squad for the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at the Oval keeping in mind his workload.
Bumrah had played in the first Test at Headingley, skipped the second Test at Edgbaston, which India won, and played in the third and fourth Tests at Lord’s and Old Trafford.
During the Test series, he had two-five wicket hauls and bowled 119.4 overs.
With Asia Cup to be played in T20I format, Bumrah won’t have to bowl longer spells and the team management can even pick and choose his games. Bumrah will get a gap of nearly 40 days between the last Test he played in England and the start of the Asia Cup.
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Bumrah’s last T20I appearance was in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa in Bridgetown that India won by seven runs. He took 2 for 18.
Team to travel early
The Indian team will be travelling early to UAE for the Asia Cup. Most of the players will be going to the Asia Cup without any match practice game. The BCCI had asked team management whether they were in favour of a short camp in Bengaluru. However, the team management felt that it would be better to fly early so that players can get used to the conditions. “Instead of having a camp here, the team will fly three-four days early so that they can get decent practice before the tournament starts,” the source said.
