Pakistan Coach Aaqib Javed Warns India About Bumrah’s Fitness
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Synopsis
Aaqib Javed, the interim coach of Pakistan, has raised concerns regarding the fitness of India's ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the Champions Trophy scheduled for February 23 in Dubai. Bumrah's absence due to back spasms could impact India's performance in the tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Bumrah's fitness is a concern
- Champions Trophy begins on February 23
- Pakistan's squad selections face criticism
- Importance of scoring 325 runs
- Fielding restrictions impact ODI scores
New Delhi, Feb 6 (NationPress) Aaqib Javed, the interim head coach of Pakistan, expressed concern that India should be apprehensive about the physical condition of their star pacer Jasprit Bumrah prior to their encounter in the forthcoming Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to take place in Dubai on February 23.
Bumrah has been sidelined since experiencing back spasms that prevented him from bowling during the fourth innings of the Sydney Test. He is currently at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru, where his availability for the Champions Trophy will be clarified following a series of scans, as indicated by captain Rohit Sharma on the eve of the ODI series in Nagpur.
"They should be concerned about Bumrah's fitness. In the Champions Trophy, the most remarkable aspect is that no team can be underestimated. The tournament features the top eight teams. Having a bowler like Bumrah is a significant advantage for any team. However, we will not base our entire strategy around him," Aaqib stated to the media during Pakistan’s training session at the Ghani Glass ground in Lahore on Wednesday.
There has been considerable backlash from fans and analysts regarding the selection of Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah in Pakistan’s squad for the Champions Trophy, particularly since they have not shown outstanding performance to warrant their inclusion in the eight-team tournament.
“Making changes based on the performances of just two matches is not appropriate; thus, the team for the Champions Trophy will likely remain unchanged. Given that we have three pool matches against New Zealand, India, and Bangladesh, it is essential to have the top seven batters and four bowling options, which should include two all-rounders.
“Both Faheem and Khushdil are better suited for the conditions in the sub-continent than they would be for Australia or South Africa,” Aaqib added, noting his roles as both the team’s coach and chief selector.
He further mentioned that Pakistan’s goal should be to achieve a score of around 325 runs in their batting during the tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa, as well as in the Champions Trophy.
“In recent years, 200 runs have become the standard in T20 cricket, so achieving 325 or even 350 is quite feasible in ODIs, especially with the recent changes to fielding restrictions that permit only four fielders outside the circle during the initial overs,” he concluded.
