Despite plenty of debate about Jasprit Bumrah’s workload, chief selector Ajit Agarkar has made it clear that the approach isn’t changing. The focus, he said, is to make sure Jasprit Bumrah is available for the most important matches.
Jasprit Bumrah has been named in India’s 15-member T20 squad for the Asia Cup starting September 9 in the UAE. Questions were raised after he featured in only three of the five matches against England, but Agarkar defended the strategy.
“I don’t think there is any written plan at the moment. Obviously, there has been a nice break after the England series. The team management or the physios or people concerned are always in touch. It’s not just now, and even before his injury, we tried to look after him because we know how valuable he is,” Agarkar said.
Preserving India’s Pace Ace
Agarkar underlined how vital Jasprit Bumrah is to the team, especially in high-profile events.
“Clearly, we want him available for all the big games. I know in international cricket, every game is a big game. But there are World Cups, there is Champion Trophy or big series like England or Australia. We want him available all the time.
“Most fast bowlers are monitored and yes, because he has picked up an injury over the last 2-3 years. It’s extra attention on how unique and how special he is and it won’t change. It won’t change whether it’s this series or in the next six months,” he explained.
There were doubts about his availability for the Asia Cup with a Test series against the West Indies around the corner, but the selectors included him. This will be Bumrah’s first T20 tournament since the 2024 World Cup.
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“As we go along, how he is feeling, when we require him as a team, which is probably the most important thing and along with the physios and the trainers, those things are monitored. We hope that he is available more often than not,” Ajit Agarkar added.
Shreyas Iyer Misses Out
Shreyas Iyer, who last played a T20I in December 2023 and had a strong run earlier this year including IPL 2025, did not make the cut.
Agarkar explained, “With regards to Shreyas, I mean, you need to tell him who he can replace. No fault of his, nor is it ours. It’s just that we have to pick 15 at the moment, he’ll have to wait for his chance.”
Shubman Gill Named Vice-Captain
Another major update: Test captain Shubman Gill will serve as vice-captain for the Asia Cup, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the squad. Shubman Gill last played a T20I in 2024 against Sri Lanka and now replaces Axar Patel as deputy.
“Gill’s form in England was something we expected but he exceeded it all. There are more options (for top order) now and Shubman has been in a great form anyway. When they get to Dubai, they can decide on the playing XI according to the opposition and the conditions,” Agarkar said.
“Like I said, he (Gill) was (the) vice-captain the last time he played T20 cricket. That was after the last World Cup so even at that point, clearly we were thinking along those lines.”
“Now that he’s available, at least he (Suryakumar) has two options. It’s their headache to pick the batting lineup (now); ours was to pick the 15 and so. But we’ve got some real depth as far as T20 cricket is concerned and we are very active with it,” he added.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Unlucky to Miss Out
Yashaswi Jaiswal also couldn’t find a spot in the 15, with Agarkar calling it an unfortunate situation.
“It’s unfortunate, with regards to Jaiswal, with Abhishek Sharma in the mix and he can bowl a little bit as well. It’s unfortunate Jaiswal has had to miss out,” he said.
ALSO READ: BCCI Explains Why Shreyas Iyer And Yashasvi Jaiswal Missed India’s Asia Cup 2025 Squad
