"You do not want Jasprit Bumrah to lose his rhythm"- Wasim Jaffer doesn't want India to rest star pacer during T20 World Cup 2024
Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer is against the idea of resting Jasprit Bumrah for the remainder of India's T20 World Cup 2024 group stage games. The Men in Blue have already qualified for the Super Eight stage as they beat USA by seven wickets in New York on Wednesday, June 12.
Jaffer stressed on the importance of a world-class fast bowler like Bumrah being in rhythm and reconked that the star speedster could lose his momentum if given a break.
Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, here's what Wasim Jaffer had to say about Jasprit Bumrah:
"The more Bumrah keeps playing, the more he will be in rhythm. You do not want Bumrah to lose his rhythm, such an important player. So I do not think it is needed to rest him."
After playing their final Group A game against Canada, India will be heading to the West Indies where the conditions may not demand three out-and-out pacers. Wasim Jaffer feels that if the Men in Blue want to play an extra spinner, they will bench Mohammed Siraj because of the left-arm angle and variety that Arshdeep Singh provides.
Wasim Jaffer on whether India are getting unfair advantage
There has been a lot of talk in the media, especially from the west, about India getting an unfair advantage in the T20 World Cup 2024 as they know their venue if they qualify for the semifinal. However, Wasim Jaffer rubbished this debate and shed light on how difficult the conditions in New York were for the Men in Blue.
Here's what he said in this regard:
"Even when you know what venue you're going to play at, it doesn't matter. You have to perform well on the day. India have started their campaign in tough conditions in New York. You have brought four spinners but these are different conditions so definitely it is not an advantage."
India have not yet unleashed the likes of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal as they felt the conditions in New York demanded a four-pronged pace attack. The conditions in the Caribbean are likely to change the balance of the Indian bowling attack and it will be interesting to see how they adapt.