IND vs IRE: The Indian Cap Has Become Very Easy To Get - Atul Wassan

Former fast-bowler Atul Wassan believes the Team India cap is easily available for the players nowadays, opining that there is no cut-throat competition to play for the national team anymore.

His comments have come just before India’s three-match T20I series against Ireland. The selectors have named a second-string side for the series as most of the first-choice players will soon start preparing for the forthcoming Asia Cup 2023. Fast-bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who is returning from a long injury layoff, will lead the team against Ireland.

New faces such as Rinku Singh, and Jitesh Sharma as well as three players who recently made their India debut against West Indies – Mukesh Kumar, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Tilak Varma – are also in the squad. And as the new-look Indian team gears up for the first T20I against Ireland, Atul Wassan has fired a warning to the BCCI. The former cricketer has said that instead of calling up new players, good players should get regular chances.

“The Indian cap has become very easy to get. We should watch that. I think good players should get a chance. There are so many teams in T10, T20, 50-over or etc. I think most players are getting a chance to play for the country,” Atul Wassan told India.com.

Atul Wassan on Jasprit Bumrah:

Atul Wassan also spoke about Jasprit Bumrah who will be making his much-awaited return to international cricket during the first T20I against Ireland. Bumrah has not played a competitive match since September last year as he was sidelined with a back injury.

“I think the back injury is such that the effort he will put in will be seen. If he is holding himself back, then he is increasing his career. If he gets the same intensity and gets injured again, then whatever he achieved with this action, this injury was bound to happen,” Wassan explained.

The first T20I between India and Ireland is scheduled to take place on Friday (August 18). The second and third games will take place on August 20 and 23 respectively. After the series against Ireland, Team India will be participating in the Asia Cup, scheduled to get underway on August 30. India will open their campaign on September 2 against arch-rivals Pakistan.