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Powerplay Strategy: Morne Morkel Defends Jasprit Bumrah’s Early Overs Role in Asia Cup 2025
India bowling coach Morne Morkel has defended the strategy of using Jasprit Bumrah in the powerplay overs during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, rather than saving him for the middle or death overs.
Bumrah, one of the best all-format bowlers, traditionally spreads his quota across the middle and death overs in T20 cricket. However, in the current Asia Cup, he has been deployed more upfront, leaving just one over for the death—a move criticized by former cricketer Mohammed Kaif, who felt it could be counterproductive.
After India’s thrilling Super Over win against Sri Lanka, Morkel explained the reasoning: the team aims to take early wickets with the new ball. “It’s a tough job to bowl in the powerplay, but Jasprit is one of the best. If we can get 6-7 wickets down early, it makes the rest of the innings easier. With the surface playing a certain way and spin coming after the powerplay, it’s a great opportunity for our top bowler to strike upfront,” he said.
The golden rule of T20 cricket
Morkel emphasized that the key in T20 cricket is to take wickets. “The number one rule in T20 is to take wickets. Using one of our best bowlers early gives us a chance to strike upfront. The plan might vary depending on the match situation, but this gives Bumrah a vital role,” he added.
So far, Bumrah has claimed five wickets in four matches of the tournament. He was rested for the game against Sri Lanka.
While fans and pundits have suggested reserving Bumrah for the death overs—his usual role in T20Is and the IPL—Morkel stressed that the management’s priority is to maximize his impact for early breakthroughs.
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Published: Sep 27, 2025
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