Asia Cup: Sehwag says flexibility and fit fast bowlers key for India’s success

Virender Sehwag backed Suryakumar Yadav’s young T20 side for the Asia Cup, calling Bumrah India’s ultimate game-changer while stressing batting flexibility and careful workload management for fast bowlers ahead of big tournaments

Hyderabad: Former India opener Virender Sehwag said that in the entire Asia Cup to be held in September, the most important and pressure-filled match will be the India vs Pakistan clash.

“But if we look at this current T20 team under Suryakumar, I think they are one of the best teams. They are all young, talented players who bat and bowl very well. I am fully confident that under Suryakumar’s captaincy, India will perform strongly in the Asia Cup T20,” Sehwag said during a chat on Sony Sports Network.

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“I think Abhishek Sharma can be a game-changer. Bumrah is always a game-changer. Varun Chakravarthy, with his mystery bowling, was very effective in the Champions Trophy and in the T20 format as well. So these are some game-changers for India who can win matches on their own,” he said.

“I think it’s important, in the current scenario, that all batsmen should be ready for No. 3 to No. 6, so they can bat anywhere,” the former explosive opener said.

“Because if you have a very good opening partnership, then the No. 5 can bat at No. 3 and No. 3 can go to No. 5. So this flexibility is important, especially in the batting line-up. Whoever is in form, whoever is doing well, can come up and play at the top of the order,” he explained.

“I think workload is important, especially for bowlers. For batters I don’t think workload is a problem, since they don’t have to play too many matches anyway,” Sehwag said.

“So I think it’s important mainly for bowlers, especially fast bowlers. If they are managed properly, they can play for a longer time. For India, it’s important that all fast bowlers stay fit, because in big events like the Asia Cup or World Cup, if they are available, India’s chances of winning will be higher,” he added.