Overview

• Responding on X, Bumrah told Kaif “Inaccurate before inaccurate again,” rejecting suggestions he is avoiding death overs.
• Kaif had claimed Bumrah’s three-over new-ball spells under Suryakumar Yadav reflect self-protection that could blunt India’s finishing overs.
• India have experimented with closing overs through alternatives such as Shivam Dube and Kuldeep Yadav during this tournament.
• Bumrah has five wickets in four Asia Cup matches, including 2/18 against Bangladesh, though he conceded 45 without a wicket versus Pakistan.
• Reports suggest he could be rested for Friday’s inconsequential Sri Lanka match before the final on Sunday, and Ajit Agarkar has confirmed his inclusion for the two-Test West Indies series.