Fitness-wise, Jasprit Bumrah had “no complaints” during his comeback series against Ireland in Dublin. In terms of rhythm too, India’s pace spearhead seems well placed which augurs well for Team India going into the Asia Cup beginning on August 30, believes Sourav Ganguly.
“Bumrah is really in good rhythm... Very good to see him bowl the way he did in Ireland. He has made a decent comeback,” Sourav said on the sidelines of a promotional at a city hotel on Thursday.
Ireland obviously aren’t among the strongest teams in world cricket, but what pleased Sourav was Bumrah’s control and accuracy in the eight overs he bowled in
the two T20Is.
“He just needs a little more time, which should make him sharper going into the next tournaments,” the former India captain and ex-president of BCCI stated.
Sourav didn’t wish to read much into the inclusion of both KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer in the Asia Cup squad even though there’s still a doubt or two over the duo’s fitness. “You have a 17-member team selected for the Asia Cup. But for the World Cup, it will be trimmed to 15.
“So, if Rahul and Shreyas get runs in the Asia Cup, they will go for the World Cup too. Otherwise, there are still lots of options for India,” Sourav observed.
Talking about leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal’s non-selection, Sourav agreed that it was “a tough call”, adding: “You can’t take more than three spinners.
“(Ravindra) Jadeja is an automatic choice, Kuldeep (Yadav) in excellent form and Axar Patel, I think, has been taken as a back-up batsman. Besides, it’s of no use taking the fourth spinner as he won’t be playing.”
For the ODI World Cup which begins on October 5, what India need to do is “get their execution right”, Sourav emphasised. “It’s a very good team with players having lots of potential.
“Execution matters the most. So, what they need to do is get their execution right. I’m sure we’ll see the Indian team put in a determined effort and play fearless cricket,” Sourav, who was also given the Global Xaverian Award by St Xavier’s College later in the evening, said.
