Gavaskar on Bumrah in Asian Games: Good idea before New Zealand tour

Jasprit Bumrah sustained an impact injury to his left knee while fielding during the second ODI against England in Cardiff on July 17, 2026. Reactive swelling in his knee ruled him out of the third ODI, and he has since been undergoing rehabilitation.

The BCCI is preparing to dispatch a squad to the Asian Games later this month, with Bumrah’s participation subject to fitness clearance from the medical team. Ahead of the Asian Games, India will play a three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, where Bumrah’s availability is once again subject to fitness clearance

Sunil Gavaskar has weighed in on Bumrah’s potential involvement in the continental competition, emphasising the importance of match practice ahead of India’s tour of New Zealand. Speaking on the matter, Gavaskar outlined his reasoning for supporting the pacer’s inclusion in the Asian Games squad.

“There’s a fair gap between the Asian Games and the New Zealand series, so playing Bumrah in the Asian Games is actually a good idea because he has to get some bowling under his belt. In Sri Lanka, we heard Mohammad Siraj was not quite in rhythm because he hadn’t played enough in competitive matches. The bowlers need to get some overs and Bumrah getting them is very essential,” Gavaskar was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

Why Bumrah needs match practice before New Zealand

The former India captain drew a parallel with Mohammad Siraj’s experience in Sri Lanka, where the fast bowler struggled to find his rhythm due to insufficient competitive cricket. Gavaskar stressed that bowlers require regular match exposure to maintain their sharpness and effectiveness. The gap between the Asian Games and the New Zealand series provides an ideal window for Bumrah to regain match fitness and build confidence before the tour.

Bumrah is part of India’s squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, pending fitness clearance from the medical team. His recovery and participation in upcoming matches will be closely monitored as India prepares for multiple assignments in the coming weeks. The Asian Games, scheduled to begin later this month in Japan, will serve as a crucial preparation ground for India’s players ahead of the challenging New Zealand tour.

Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy and tournament challenges

Shreyas Iyer will lead India at the Asian Games, and Gavaskar expressed confidence in the young captain’s ability to handle the responsibility. Iyer brings experience from leading Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings in franchise cricket. Gavaskar acknowledged the competitive nature of the tournament, noting that several teams pose significant challenges to India’s gold medal defence. The former India captain opined that the Asian Games will provide the cricketers with a great platform to meet athletes from other sports, something that can be very inspirational, especially for the 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Also Read: ‘It’s a tricky couple of months for the selectors’ – Abhinav Mukund on Bumrah’s ODI squad prospects

“He’s very experienced as a captain, having led Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. I don’t think there should be any pressure on him at the Asian Games,” Gavaskar said.

“To be able to meet sportspersons from other sports from across Asia can be an absolute treat. For Sooryavanshi, I hope it turns out to be even more inspirational because he will get to rub shoulders with athletes who he’s looked up to,” he added.

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