Aakash Chopra feels that Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 could be a doubt and feels there will be no space for Mohammed Shami in the India squad for the tournament. The Asia Cup is all set to be played from September 9-28, with India being grouped alongside Pakistan, Oman and the UAE.
Bumrah’s last T20I appearance for India was in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa and the pacer is currently part of the England tour. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra said that if Bumrah sits out the Oval Test, then he should be available for the tournament. However, the former cricketer feels that India may go with the team that played in their last T20I assignment against England earlier in the year.
“Bumrah, once again, availability will be a question. However, if he is available, because if he doesn’t play the fifth Test as well, then he should be playing the Asia Cup, is what I am thinking. It will be interesting to see what sort of team is picked, but it cannot be too dissimilar to the one that was picked last time,” said Chopra.
If Shami is not part of Tests, don’t see him playing T20Is
After a lengthy layoff due to injury, Shami made his comeback earlier in the year and was part of the Champions Trophy squad. However, since then, Shami has been sidelined from India duties and missed the trip to England for the Test series. Chopra feels that there is no chance the Bengal pacer will be part of the squad for the Asia Cup as he isn’t being part of the Test side.
“I can almost guarantee that Mohammad Shami won’t be there in that because Shami was only being played to test his fitness and prepare him for the Champions Trophy. Now that the bus has sailed, and if he is not part of Tests, I don’t see him playing T20 cricket at this point in time,” said Chopra.
India will start their Asia Cup against UAE on September 10, before taking on Pakistan four days later. They finish of the group phase against Oman on September 19, after which the Super 4 stage will begin. The final of the tournament will be played on September 28.
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