Picking Bumrah for Asian Games is a good idea: Sunil Gavaskar

Bengaluru: The BCCI’s decision to send a full-strength team to the Asian Games later this month has brought one name into the limelight – Jasprit Bumrah. India’s number one pacer has not played for India since the second ODI against England in Cardiff in July when he limped off with an impact injury to his left knee. He has since been undergoing rehabilitation and is part of India’s squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, although his participation is subject to medical clearance.With the Asian Games in Japan starting later this month, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes the tournament could give Bumrah valuable game time ahead of India’s next big assignment, the tour of New Zealand.So the Asian Games is an ideal opportunity for Bumrah to return to competitive cricket ahead of this series. “There is a decent 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 bowl. We heard in Sri Lanka that Mohammad Siraj was not quite up to speed because he didn’t bowl enough in the competitive matches. The bowlers need to get some overs and Bumrah to get them is very crucial,” Gavaskar said.Even though Shreyas Iyer has lost six of the seven T20Is he has led India in this year, Sunil Gavaskar has backed him up. “He is very experienced as a captain, he has led Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. I don’t think there should be any pressure on him in the Asian Games.”“Defending the title in the Asian Games will not be easy”Gavaskar was quick to add that defending the title will not be easy for India. “It will be tough because it is a T20 tournament. Bangladesh are in form, Pakistan are always dangerous and Sri Lanka are a great team not to forget Afghanistan, so it will not be easy at all,” he said. Gavaskar pointed out that the Asian Games will be a huge learning experience for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. “Meeting athletes from other sports from across Asia can be an absolute treat. I hope it will be even more inspiring for Sooryavanshi as he gets to interact with athletes he has looked up to.”(This interaction was facilitated by Sony Sports Network)