Jasprit Bumrah has been given a special role in this Asia Cup. He bowls three overs in the powerplay and another at the death. That approach is rare in modern T20 cricket and makes his job both strategic and physically demanding.
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate defended the decision publicly, calling it “an exceptionally tough job” (ESPN Cricinfo). Bumrah has taken three wickets in three games with an economy rate of 8.36. Though his numbers appear modest, the management values his impact in high-pressure phases, like India will be against Bangladesh.
Sanju Samson has also drawn attention with a new role at No.5. He scored 56 from 45 against Oman and 13 off 17 against Pakistan (ESPN Cricinfo). The selectors believe he will adapt with more time and match exposure (ESPN Cricinfo). His presence at No.5 is meant to add stability in the middle order.
India’s management is balancing Asia Cup demands with upcoming Test matches. They see this workload as good preparation for the West Indies series. Ten Doeschate said Bumrah is unlikely to be rested before the Tests, highlighting how short-term goals are tied to long-term plans.
Bumrah’s role explained: why India asks him to bowl three powerplay overs
India’s use of Bumrah in the power play is a calculated strategy. He is trusted to slow early scoring and target top-order wickets. Bowling three overs up front changes how batters approach the powerplay, forcing them to take fewer risks (ESPN Cricinfo).
This plan is unusual and physically demanding. It combines three powerplay overs with a death over, which few bowlers manage. Bumrah last handled such a load in a T20I back in 2019 (ESPN Cricinfo). The rarity of this tactic underlines how different India’s current approach is.
The strategy helps India set up spinners in the middle overs. By keeping runs in check early, spinners can apply pressure later. Even when Bumrah goes wicketless, the pressure he creates allows others to benefit. For the management, that trade-off is worth occasional expensive spells (Reuters).
Key stats and the coach’s words on Bumrah
So far, Bumrah has bowled 11 overs in the Asia Cup. He was rested against Oman in the group stage (ESPN Cricinfo). Doeschate highlighted the strain of three powerplay overs, calling it “quite strenuous but right for the team” (ESPN Cricinfo).
The coach admitted that outcomes vary with this plan. Some days bring wickets, while others mean conceding runs. India accepts this variability because the structure fits their wider match strategy. These comments show strong management confidence in Bumrah’s workload.
Why India trusts Bumrah in the powerplay despite rough spells?
India’s long-term planning drives the decision to frontload Bumrah. His skills disrupt opposition openers, while his yorkers and variations remain useful late in innings (ESPN Cricinfo). By bowling early, India eases the workload on its spinners. This allows them to dominate the middle overs with fresher options.
The approach reduces the need for extra seamers and helps maintain balance (ESPN Cricinfo). Coaches accept that he may sometimes concede heavily. They view it as good preparation for the Test season (Reuters). Unless India secures qualification early, Bumrah will remain part of every XI.
Tactical upside: how early Bumrah shifts match dynamics
Using Bumrah early forces openers to adjust their scoring tempo. Boundaries are harder to find, creating early scoreboard pressure. That shift makes it easier for spinners to continue squeezing runs in the middle overs.
Teams relying on quick starts face more risk when Bumrah opens. His early overs can tilt tight games in India’s favour. This approach is not reactive but part of a deliberate tactical blueprint.
Sanju Samson at No.5: the learning curve and expected gains
Sanju Samson is adjusting to his role in the middle order. His India and IPL success mostly came in the top three. Batting at No.5 demands quick adaptation—sometimes rebuilding, sometimes accelerating (ESPN Cricinfo).
Against Oman, Samson impressed with a fluent 56 on a slow wicket (ESPN Cricinfo). Against Pakistan, he scored 13 off 17, showing the challenges of No.5. The team says he still needs more match time at that position. His attacking game, however, makes him a good long-term fit.
Moving Samson stabilises the batting order and frees others to play natural roles. If he adapts, India gains flexibility and strength late in innings.
To succeed at No.5, Samson must time his innings carefully. He needs to rotate strike, then shift gears in the final overs. Reading bowlers and pitch behaviour will be key to his growth (ESPN Cricinfo).
Selectors value his hitting power and touch in the middle order. If he settles, India’s batting will gain depth and versatility. A strong Samson reduces pressure on other finishers and secures India’s lower-middle order.
