NEW DELHI: The Indian team management is unlikely to alter its playing XI for the inconsequential final Asia Cup group league match against Oman in Abu Dhabi on Friday, apart from resting pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, PTI reported.
With the Super Four fixtures scheduled for September 21, 24 and 26, and the final on September 28, India-tournament favourites-could be playing four matches in the space of seven days if they qualify for the summit clash.
Given the demanding schedule, the management is keen to keep its premier fast bowler fresh for the business end of the tournament.
It is not clear whether Bumrah himself wishes to sit out, but the decision is expected to be a pragmatic one: better to have him fully charged for the knockout stage than risk him in a dead rubber.
In that scenario, either Arshdeep Singh or Harshit Rana is likely to step in, with the former having the added incentive of being within touching distance of reaching 100 T20I wickets.
On the batting front, the top and middle order would welcome more time at the crease in match situations.
India's first two outings, against UAE and Pakistan, were too one-sided and a proper hit-out against Oman could help them sharpen their game before they run into trickier opponents like Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in the Super Fours.
