As India prepares for their Super 4 clash against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has proposed a strategy that involves resting key players, including pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Gavaskar suggests that Bumrah should be rested not only for the final group-stage match against Oman but also for the crucial Super 4 match against Pakistan on September 21.

Gavaskar's rationale behind this suggestion is to ensure Bumrah's fitness and freshness for the Asia Cup final on September 28, keeping in mind his history of back injuries and the packed cricketing calendar ahead. Bumrah has recently returned to action after the England Test series and has already picked up three wickets in the Asia Cup. While he has displayed glimpses of his quality, Gavaskar believes that overusing him could backfire.

"I believe Jasprit Bumrah should be rested, perhaps even for the Pakistan game, so he's available for the bigger match on Sunday, the 28th. That's what India should be looking at," Gavaskar said. He emphasized the importance of having Bumrah available for the final, considering it to be a "bigger match".

Gavaskar also believes that resting Bumrah would provide an opportunity to test the bench strength and give other bowlers a chance to perform. He noted that India's spinners are capable of handling Pakistan on Dubai's slow track.

In addition to resting Bumrah, Gavaskar suggested a revamp of the batting order to provide valuable time at the crease for players like Sanju Samson, Tilak Verma, and Hardik Pandya, who haven't had much opportunity to bat. He proposed that India should consider batting first against Oman and experiment with the batting order, potentially giving Tilak Verma and Sanju Samson more time in the middle. Gavaskar suggested that Suryakumar Yadav could drop himself down the order to allow other batters to get some practice.

“I would like to think that India would consider batting first and keep the same opening pair. Maybe number three, Suryakumar Yadav, the skipper, could drop himself down the order, giving Tilak Verma a chance for some time at the crease and allowing Sanju Samson a bit of a hit as well,” Gavaskar said.

Gavaskar believes that these adjustments would not only provide practice for the batters but also prepare them for the pressure situations in the Super 4 matches against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. He emphasized that the focus should be on preparing the batters rather than the bowlers.

By resting Bumrah and experimenting with the batting order, Gavaskar suggests that India can strategically manage its resources and ensure that key players are fresh and well-prepared for the crucial stages of the Asia Cup.