India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has backed the star pacer Jasprit Bumrah's usage inside the powerplay overs in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. Contrary to
the template which has been used previously, Bumrah has increasingly been used in the powerplay in the continental tournament, which has left just a single over for him to bowl at the death.
Morkel defended the blueprint of bowling two-three overs of Bumrah in the first spell of the latter. He asserted that the right-arm pacer was 'one of the best bowlers' and it is always beneficial for a team to dent the opposition with as many wickets inside the powerplay, which can set the tone for the Indian team in gaining an early advantage in the match.
"Look, it's a tough job to bowl in the powerplay, but Jasprit Bumrah is one of the best bowlers. And, with the new ball, we're looking to take a wicket. I think if you can get 10 down, or 6-7 down before the last ball, you make life a lot easier for you and on the surface, the wicket is playing a certain way. Sort of the plan, and it's no secret that it will spin after the powerplay. So, what a great opportunity for the best bowler to strike for us upfront," stated Morkel, as quoted by India Today.
Taking wickets is the golden rule in T20 cricket: Morkel
The former South Africa international reemphasized the need for striking early in the shortest format of the game. He commented that Bumrah's duties had shifted from a death bowler to someone who is used inside the powerplay to take as many wickets as possible, at least for the time being.
"We know the number one rule or the golden rule in T20 cricket is to take wickets and we can do that by using one of our best bowlers and for us to strike upfront. That might change according to what we feel will be best on the day. But, we just felt that it's a nice opportunity to give him that role to try and strike for us upfront," he added.
For the unversed, India are slated to play Pakistan in the final of the tournament at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 28. Bumrah has conceded runs at a rate of 7.33 in the four matches he has played in the tournament in the lead up to the summit clash.
