Jasprit Bumrah told not to play all Asia Cup 2025 matches; Virat Kohli's teammate lauds Ajit Agarkar

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter AB de Villiers made a massive statement on Jasprit Bumrah’s workload ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to begin on September 9. The former cricketer stated that the pace spearhead should not feature in every match of the eight-team tournament.

Bumrah was included in India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad amid criticism over his workload and injury management. The 31-year-old featured in only three of the five Tests of the recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 in England, where he picked up 14 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls.

Don’t Think Jasprit Bumrah Will Play All Matches - AB de Villiers

Speaking on his YouTube channel, AB de Villiers said that Jasprit Bumrah will not feature in all matches of the Asia Cup, with India likely to use him in high-stakes encounters. The former Proteas captain praised the selectors for taking the right approach in managing one of India’s most valuable players.

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"Great to see him in the squad, fit and ready to go. I don't think he will play all the games," said de Villiers.

"I saw reports saying he will be earmarked for the games that matter and I love that about the selectors being proactive. That's how you should be managing your senior and most impactful players,” he added.

They’ve Started Managing Jasprit Bumrah Well - AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers said that players over 30 need careful workload management to extend their careers. He recalled that Bumrah missed the Champions Trophy earlier this year after being overused in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

"It's not like they are picking and choosing. So much cricket these days that for your older guys, over age 30, their work has taken its toll over the years,” explained de Villiers.

“Some selectors understand it and some don't. And once you start managing these players, you will get the best out of them and I love it that they've started doing that with Jasprit Bumrah.”

Jasprit Bumrah’s back injury during the final Test of India’s Australia tour kept him out of action until the 2025 IPL season. He missed a few matches for the Mumbai Indians (MI). He took 18 wickets in 12 games at an impressive average of 17.55 and an economy rate of 6.67.

India to Kick Off Asia Cup Campaign in Dubai on September 10

India will begin their Asia Cup campaign against the UAE in Dubai on September 10, followed by the high-profile clash against Pakistan on September 14 at the same venue.

Jasprit Bumrah has returned to India’s white-ball squad after more than a year. The right-arm pacer last featured in the 2024 T20 World Cup final in Barbados, where his brilliant spell of 2/18 helped India edge past South Africa and secure their second T20 World Cup crown.

Bumrah finished the tournament as the third-highest wicket-taker with 15 scalps at an outstanding average of 8.26 and was named Player of the Tournament. However, he missed five consecutive T20I series for India since that triumph.

Also read: Mohammad Rizwan to be sacked as Pakistan's ODI captain, PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi confirms