Jasprit Bumrah available for India's selection for Asia Cup in UAE

Dubai: India received a significant boost ahead of their Asia Cup campaign with fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah confirming his availability for the tournament, which will be held in the UAE starting September 9.

Bumrah, who was sidelined due to injury during the recent series against England, has reportedly already informed the selectors of his readiness to participate, according to sources cited by The Indian Express. "Bumrah has informed the selectors that he will be available for the Asia Cup selection. The selection committee will meet next week to discuss it," the source said.

The senior selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is scheduled to meet on August 19 to finalize the 15-member squad for the Asia Cup. India’s first match is against the UAE on September 10, followed by a highly anticipated clash with Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai. India, UAE, Pakistan, and Oman are in Group A, while Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong make up Group B.

Since the conclusion of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, Bumrah has faced considerable scrutiny. Some former Indian cricketers criticized him for not being available for all five Tests. It was initially decided that Bumrah would play only three of the five matches due to workload management, but his absence in India's win at the Oval led to more questioning. Mohammed Siraj's involvement in all five matches also drew comparisons, with some fans and analysts questioning Bumrah's availability.

Bumrah was released from the Test squad before Day 2 of the fifth and final Test at the Oval, having played in the first (Headingley), third (Lord’s), and fourth (Manchester) Tests. In the series, he picked up two five-wicket hauls, bowling 119.4 overs in total.