NEW DELHI: Ever since Jasprit Bumrah skipped the two Tests against England in the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, his workload management has become a major talking point. His availability for upcoming tournaments continues to be a pressing question for fans.
The Indian pace spearhead has been named in India's 15-member T20 squad for the Asia Cup starting September 9 in the UAE.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar made it clear that Bumrah's workload management strategy will remain unchanged, stressing that the aim is to keep the pace talisman "available for all the big games."
"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," said Agakar during the press meet to announce India's squad for the continental showpiece.
He acknowledges that while every international game matters, tournaments like the World Cup, Champions Trophy, or high-profile Test series against teams like England and Australia take precedence.
"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," Agarkar added.
Squad: Surya Kumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson (wk), Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh
Stand-by players: Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel
