Former national selectors Narendra Hirwani and Devang Gandhi reckon pacer Jasprit’s workload management system aside, he has to spearhead India’s bowling brigade, while in-form Test skipper Shubman must be given the opportunity to continue his fine run with the bat, at upcoming Asia Cup T20 in United Arab Emirates
Shubman Gill. Pic/AFP; (right) Jasprit Bumrah. Pic/Getty Images
When the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee sits down on Tuesday to pick the team for the upcoming T20 Asia Cup (September 9 to 28 in UAE), there are two names that almost every Indian fan would like to see in skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s playing XI.
There have been some doubts about Shubman Gill being picked since has not been a part of the national T20 team for a year (he last played in a T20I against Sri Lanka on July 30, 2024). And in Jasprit Bumrah’s context, there have been doubts since he played just three Tests out of five in the recent against England due to workload management.
No doubts at all
However, according to former national selectors Narendra Hirwani and Devang Gandhi, both these players will definitely be on that flight to the UAE.
Narendra Hirwani and Devang Gandhi
“No player is 100 per cent fit always. If someone is using his body, then there is bound to be some wear and tear, but players who are representing India are mentally very tough and they can convert even 70 per cent fitness into 100 per cent. Even during our time we used to play with some small niggles also, because we never want to give our place in the team to other players. So, I feel Bumrah will surely play in the Asia Cup,” Hirwani, 56, told mid-day over the phone from Kolkata on Monday.
The former India leg-spinner also felt that Bumrah’s presence in the squad will make a lot of difference, especially while playing against a team like Pakistan. He said: “Bumrah is not a player, who can hide anything. And if we are playing against Pakistan, everyone will be scared of Bumrah. There will be a psychological effect on the opponent’s mind.”
Tons of runs
About Gill, who scored 650 runs while leading Gujarat Titans to the IPL-18 Playoffs, Hirwani felt his form (he scored over 750 runs on the England tour) will force the selectors to pick him. “Gill is a gutsy player. He should get a chance, 100 per cent [in the T20I team]. He’s in great form currently and that should be utilised. His confidence is already very high so there should be no doubt when it comes to selecting him,” said Hirwani.
Former India batsman, Gandhi, 53, echoed Hirwani’s feelings. “Bumrah is always a plus. We all know what he’s capable of doing and how important his four overs are in T20 cricket. He’s a match-winner and one of the best fast bowlers in the world,” said Gandhi.
About Gill, Gandhi also felt that his sky-high confidence would go in his favour when it comes to selection. “There has to be continuity as he [Gill] got more than 2000 runs in the last three IPL seasons. In ODIs, he has done well, averaging close to 60 [59.04]. He has done well as an opener. He’s also in that Virat [Kohli] mode where, if required, he can control the innings for long. And he’s in peak form, so he should play.
“Selectors need to decide who is going to take Indian T20 cricket forward. [25-year-old] Shubman has got a lot of years ahead of him, leading in Tests, so definitely he is way forward and he was T20I team’s vice-captain also previously,” added Gandhi.
578
No. of runs scored by Shubman Gill in 21 T20I matches at an average of 30.42
6.27
Jasprit Bumrah’s economy rate in 70 T20I matches
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