Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja believes that Jasprit Bumrah should not be risked in India’s upcoming Asia Cup 2025 group stage clash against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The team management has been particular about the star pacer’s workload, having already rested him in two of the five tests during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England.

Bumrah is returning to international white-ball cricket for the first time since the 2024 T20 World Cup Final. Over the last year, the 31-year-old has played primarily in Tests, only a handful of bilateral T20Is. However, with India building towards the 2026 T20 World Cup, the speedster has once again become an automatic pick in the shortest format.

The pacer recently dealt with a minor niggle at the end of the England tour, but after a rare extended break, he is back in the squad. Yet, Jadeja stressed that India should avoid using Bumrah in matches against weaker sides. Speaking on Sony Sports Network, he remarked, “What is the need to play Bumrah tomorrow, man? Usually, you keep him wrapped in cotton wool. Now you need him even against UAE? Either don’t protect him at all, or if you need to preserve him, then do it in these types of matches. Logic dictates that, but we never do things with logic. I will go on strike if Bumrah plays.”

Irfan Pathan Counters Jadeja’s View

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan had a contrasting take on the matter. He acknowledged the importance of managing Bumrah’s workload but felt that once selected for a tournament, the bowler should play every game. Pathan noted that tournaments are not the stage for partial participation.

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“You need to protect Bumrah, I understand. But what my opinion is, and I have said this during the England tour as well, is that if you have come to play a series, then you have to play it completely. You have not come into a series for recovery or management; you have come to play,” Pathan stated. Bumrah, who missed the 2022 edition due to injury, will feature in the T20 Asia Cup for only the second time in his career. India’s campaign begins on September 10 against UAE at the Dubai International Stadium.