There have been a lot of talks and reports about India’s best pace-bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, who won Player of the Match in the country’s first two matches against Pakistan and Ireland. There has been talk that Bumrah may be rested for the last group-stage match in order to reduce his workload for the tournament’s later stages.
On the other hand, this idea is refuted in a recent video that former Indian cricket player Wasim Jaffer posted on his YouTube channel. Jaffer suggested that a crucial player like Bumrah shouldn’t lose steam before the Super Eight stage, arguing that continued play will assist Bumrah maintain his tempo.
“Bumrah’s rhythmic abilities will increase with continued playing. Jasprit Bumrah is such a crucial player; you don’t want him to break his rhythm. Thus, I do not believe that he needs to be rested,” Jaffer stated.
It doesn’t matter even if you know where you’re going to perform: Wasim Jaffer
Global media outlets have expressed a great deal of dissatisfaction with what they see as the unfairness of Team India knowing ahead of time the location of their semi-final match (Providence Stadium, Guyana). But Jaffer categorically denied these worries, saying that the location is irrelevant.
Given the intense pressure of knockout matches and other high-stakes games, he underlined the need of playing effectively and avoiding mistakes at crucial times. Jaffer refuted this further by emphasising how tough the first three games India played in New York were—they were really tough. Even though India had four spinners, he pointed out that the spin-bowling conditions were unfavourable, refuting the claim that it gave them an advantage.
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It is irrelevant, even if you are aware of the location of your performance. On the big day, you have to do well. In difficult conditions in New York, India has begun their campaign. You’ve brought four spinners, but as the circumstances are different, it’s clearly not an advantage, Jaffer continued.