'Does make a lot of difference' - Salman Butt on Jasprit Bumrah's absence in India's Asia Cup squad

Former Pakistani opener Salman Butt has said that Jasprit Bumrah’s absence will create a difference in the Indian team in the upcoming Asia Cup in the UAE. Notably, Bumrah and Harshal Patel missed out being named in India’s Asia Cup squad because of their injuries.

The BCCI announced that the duo is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. “Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel were not available for selection owing to injuries. They are currently undergoing rehab at the NCA in Bengaluru,” read a statement.  Meanwhile, India have three pacers in the squad, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar leading the department alongside youngsters Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan. 

“India will surely miss Jasprit Bumrah. It does make a lot of difference when a bowler like Bumrah is missing. He is a high-class bowler and also has a lot of experience. He bowls exceptionally during the death overs and is also very effective with the new ball and is a matchwinner,” said Butt in his YouTube channel.

India have given a lot of exposure to their young pacers: Salman Butt

With Bumrah missing the tournament, players like Arshdeep and Avesh will need to step up and cement their position for the T20 World Cup. Butt said that these players are ready as they are not really new in the international circuit.

“India have given a lot of exposure to their young pacers. They are all quite young but not new to international cricket. They have been playing a lot of cricket and will be high on confidence. While Bumrah is the best of them all, the rest are also not very new to the scene,” said Butt.

Apart from the premium pacers, the team also has the all-rounder Hardik Pandya in their ranks. The 28-year-old is bowling well and has been in good form. While many believe India is going with a pacer short, Hardik can be India’s secret weapon.