Team India coach believes Bumrah’s 25 overs in Asia Cup ideal build-up for West Indies series

As India gear up for the upcoming Test series against the West Indies, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate believes Jasprit Bumrah’s outing in the Asia Cup is ideal preparation. With the fast bowler’s workload management under constant scrutiny, Doeschate feels the overs Bumrah is bowling in the Asia Cup will set him up perfectly for the red-ball challenge.

Bumrah’s Workload Under the Lens

If India reach the Asia Cup final on September 28, Bumrah will have played four matches in seven days, sending down close to 25 overs in total. Doeschate considers that number sufficient before India’s first Test against the West Indies begins on October 2 in Ahmedabad.

Quashing speculation that Bumrah might be rested, Doeschate said, “It’s unlikely he’ll get a rest. We want our best team in every game. The 25-26 overs he bowls across the Asia Cup, combined with training, is good preparation ahead of the Test.”

Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: Former great suggests resting Jasprit Bumrah for India vs Pakistan match

Samson Still Settling at No. 5

The assistant coach also shed light on India’s batting order. With Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma likely at No. 3 and 4, Sanju Samson has been slotted at No. 5, though he has struggled to adjust so far. Samson’s 17-ball 13 against Pakistan highlighted his discomfort in the role.

Doeschate, however, backed Samson, saying, “We believe he’s the best man for that job and he’ll figure it out in time.”

For India, Bumrah’s steady return to form and workload balance remain crucial ahead of the Tests, while Samson’s adaptability at No. 5 could determine batting stability in the middle order. The Asia Cup, therefore, is serving as both preparation and a proving ground.