Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar has urged the team management to rest star pacer Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming Asia Cup group match against Oman and even the Super 4 clash against Pakistan, ensuring he stays fresh for the tournament final on September 28.
Speaking to Sony broadcasters, Gavaskar said India should use the Oman game in Abu Dhabi to give batting opportunities to players like Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya. 
&ldquo;I think Bumrah should be rested, maybe even for the Pakistan match, so he&rsquo;s fully ready for the big game on the 28th. That&rsquo;s the focus India should have,&rdquo; he remarked.
Bumrah, who recently returned from a grueling five-Test series against England, has played both of India&rsquo;s fixtures so far, picking up three wickets but showing signs of fatigue. 
Gavaskar stressed that India must manage their premier fast bowler carefully with the knockout stages looming.
On the batting front, Gavaskar recommended that stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav move down the order, allowing Tilak and Samson more time in the middle. 
&ldquo;Surya can drop himself lower so Tilak or Sanju get the chance to bat higher up,&rdquo; he said.
Samson, batting at No. 5, has yet to face a delivery in the tournament, while Tilak has had limited exposure. 
Gavaskar believes the Oman fixture is a perfect opportunity for both to gain valuable match practice ahead of tougher contests.
India have already sealed qualification for the Super 4s, giving them the freedom to experiment with combinations while managing workloads.

Gavaskar advises resting Bumrah before Asia Cup

Gavaskar urges India to bench Bumrah vs Oman, Pakistan to keep him fresh for final

Gavaskar Wants Bumrah Rested Before Asia Cup Final

Gavaskar urges India to bench Bumrah vs Oman, Pakistan to keep him fresh for final

September 19, 2025 | 16:46 IST