‘अगर जसप्रीत बुमराह बनाम यूएई खेलता है, तो मैं जा रहा हूं ..’

India are set to kick off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against hosts UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium tonight, but the biggest talking point isn’t about the opposition. Apart from the ever-looming ouster of Sanju Samson from the starting XI, it is about whether Jasprit Bumrah should play.

The pacer, fresh from a break after missing the final Test against England and the Champions Trophy earlier this year, has once again found himself at the centre of India’s workload management debate. Despite India trailing 2-1 after four Tests against England, Bumrah and the management stuck by their word to use the star in just three matches. Thankfully, Mohammed Siraj turned up and won India the fifth Test in London.

Will Bumrah play in IND vs UAE match?

Bumrah trained at full tilt in Dubai last week, but his involvement in this relatively low-stakes clash has split opinion. On one hand, the team management would want their spearhead to get some game time before the high-voltage Pakistan match on September 14. On the other hand, his recent history of injuries makes many believe he should be preserved for tougher challenges ahead.

“What is the need to play Bumrah tomorrow, man? Usually, you keep him wrapped in cotton wool. Ab UAE ke against bhi tumhe Bumrah chahiye? Either don’t protect him at all, or if you need to preserve him, then do it in this type of match. Logic dictates that, but we never do things with logic,” Ajay Jadeja said on Sony Sports Network. The former India batter even declared that he would go on strike if Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar Yadav decide to include Bumrah against UAE.

“The match is against the UAE. No disrespect because I have seen their captain, [Muhammad] वसीम, और वह प्रतिभा उसके पास है। आप किसी भी टीम को रैंक नहीं कर सकते, लेकिन यह एक टी 20 विश्व कप विजेता टीम भारत है। इसलिए, मैं स्पष्ट हूं। अगर बुमराह कल खेलता है, तो मैं हड़ताल पर जा रहा हूं“जडेजा ने कहा।