Despite criticism surrounding the workload management plan of Jasprit Bumrah, chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Tuesday (August 19, 2025) asserted that the way the pace talisman is handled will not be changed as they want him “available for all the big games.” Jasprit Bumrah has been included in India’s 15-member T20 squad for the Asia Cup starting September 9 in the UAE. There have been some sharp talks after Jasprit Bumrah played only three out of the five matches at the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, citing workload management.
There were some doubts on Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the upcoming continental tournament largely due to the proximity to the home Test series against the West Indies in October. But the selectors opted to pick him and this will be Jasprit Bumrah’s first T20 tournament since last year’s World Cup. Agarkar said Jasprit Bumrah’s selection for future events will depend on his body condition at that time, and it will be discussed with everyone concerned.
Since establishing himself as India’s spearhead across formats,Jasprit Bumrah has endured a string of injuries that have sidelined him from several key contests, including the 2025 Champions Trophy. His game time has been managed carefully, with the pacer featuring in only three of the five Tests in the recent England tour.
Alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana were named as the specialist fast bowlers. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube will provide balance as fast-bowling all-rounders. Jasprit Bumrah, who has only played Test cricket since last year’s T20 World Cup final, was rested from limited-overs assignments and also missed the ICC Champions Trophy due to injury.
Jasprit Bumrah’s impressive form in white ball cricket
With his unorthodox action and unflappable temperament, Jasprit Bumrah has been India’s go-to match-winner for nearly a decade, delivering, time and again, in high-stakes situations, most notably at the T20 World Cup 2024.In India, where spinners have traditionally dominated the wicket-taking charts, Bumrah has quietly led a pace revolution.
Since his international debut in 2016, Bumrah has delivered in every condition and situation imaginable – with the new ball, at the death, under the lights or under pressure. In SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia), Bumrah is the only Asian bowler to pick up over 150 Test wickets, more than legends like Wasim Akram (146), Anil Kumble (141), Ishant Sharma (130) and Muttiah Muralitharan (125).
In July 2025 against England at Lord’s, Bumrah registered his 13th Test fifer away from home in 35 matches, breaking Kapil Dev’s record of 12 in 66 games. At the T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and the West Indies, Bumrah finished with 15 wickets from eight matches at an average of 8.26 and an economy of just 4.17 – the lowest by any bowler across all T20 World Cup editions.
When South Africa needed a run-a-ball in the last five overs in the final, Bumrah’s last two overs produced six runs and a wicket. India eventually won the match by seven runs, with Bumrah finishing with 2/18 off his four overs. His performances also earned him the Player of the Tournament award.
Impact aside, the numbers cement Bumrah’s place in the fast-bowling hall of fame. But how does he stack up against India’s best from across the eras. Let’s take a look! Bumrah, still only 31, has represented India in over 200 matches across formats, picking up more than 450 wickets. While welcoming Bumrah’s inclusion, Former Indian wicket-keeper Dahiya feels the pacer might not play in all Asia Cup matches to manage his workload. He participated in three of the five Tests during India’s recent tour of England, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Former Indian keeper Vijay Dahiya in full support of Jasprit Bumrah’s return to white ball cricket in Asia Cup 2025
Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, however, made his return to India’s white-ball setup for the first time since the 2024 T20 World Cup. Jasprit Bumrah, who has only featured in Test cricket since last year’s T20 World Cup final, was rested from limited-overs assignments and also missed the ICC Champions Trophy due to injury.
While he welcomed Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion, Dahiya feels the pacer might not feature in all Asia Cup matches to manage his workload. He played three of the five Tests in India’s recent tour of England which ended in a 2-2 draw.
“I believe there will be many matches where he (Bumrah) might not play and will feature only in crucial matches, allowing us to manage his workload,” said Dahiya, who currently serves as the head coach of Delhi Premier League’s Purani Dilli 6 franchise.
Mohammed Siraj also didn’t make the Asia Cup squad, but Dahiya thinks the pacer was excluded to manage his workload after a demanding tour of England.
“When discussing workload management, it applies not only to Bumrah but also to Siraj. He played all five Tests, and the intensity with which he bowled was commendable. The effort and quality of fast bowling he showcased in England could be why he’s taking a break,” he added.
Regarding India’s prospects in the Asia Cup, Dahiya mentioned that the defending champions will start as clear favourites.
“There isn’t much threat for India in the Asia Cup, but T20 is a format that can change quickly. India will lose only if we have a bad day or if someone plays exceptional cricket.”
For Jasprit Bumrah, the Asia Cup offers a chance to silence critics who have questioned his recent red-ball returns, particularly as India failed to win a single Test he played in during 2025. In white-ball cricket, however, Bumrah continues to be regarded as one of the best in the world, and his presence will undoubtedly boost India’s chances of lifting the trophy.
India have been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, and will begin their campaign against the UAE on September 10. Group B consists of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.
Also Read:Â ENG vs IND : Shubman Gill Appointed Test Skipper For Red Ball