**By Parth Dhall | Sep 27, 2025 | 03:57 pm**
### What’s the story?
India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has explained the rationale behind using Jasprit Bumrah mainly in the Powerplay during the 2025 T20 Asia Cup. The strategy, which has drawn criticism from some quarters, sees Bumrah bowling more in the initial overs than his usual middle and death overs. This change was recently questioned by several experts, including former Indian batter Mohammed Kaif.
Here’s how Bumrah has fared in the Powerplay this Asia Cup and the reasoning behind the approach.
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### Strategy Explained
**Explanation behind Bumrah’s usage in the Powerplay**
Speaking after the India-Sri Lanka match, Morkel elaborated that the team management believes the Powerplay is the best phase for Bumrah to produce early breakthroughs. He said,
“Look, it’s obviously a tough job to bowl in the Powerplay, but Jasprit is one of the best bowlers. And with the new ball, obviously we’re looking to take a wicket.”
Morkel further added that this approach makes life easier later on and complements their overall strategy of using spin bowlers after the powerplay overs.
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### Performance in the Powerplay
**Three wickets in the Powerplay**
Bumrah, one of the most prolific bowlers currently, is well-known for his death-over bowling in T20Is. Typically, two of his overs are preserved for the back end of the innings. However, during this Asia Cup, the right-arm pacer has bowled three overs in the Powerplay in each of his four appearances.
So far, he has taken three wickets in this phase — one each against UAE, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
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### Wicket-Taking Focus
**“Golden rule in T20 cricket is to take wickets”**
Morkel emphasized the importance of taking wickets in T20 cricket, calling it the “golden rule.” He said,
“We know the number one rule or the golden rule in T20 cricket is to take wickets, and if we can do that by using one of our best bowlers and for us to strike upfront.”
He also noted that this strategy remains flexible and subject to change based on daily assessments and match conditions.
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### Statistical Overview
**Five wickets in Asia Cup 2025**
According to ESPNcricinfo, Bumrah has taken five wickets from four matches in the 2025 Asia Cup at an average of 22.00. However, his economy rate has been higher than usual, standing at 7.33.
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### Did You Know?
**Exploits in death overs**
Bumrah’s reputation in death overs is impressive in T20I cricket. ESPNcricinfo records show he has taken 43 wickets in the last four overs alone, bowling 217 dot balls. His economy rate during this phase is an excellent 6.86, highlighting his effectiveness in the death overs.
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As India continues its campaign in the Asia Cup, this bold move to use Bumrah upfront could play a key role in shaping outcomes — balancing early wickets with tactical execution.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/morkel-reveals-why-jasprit-bumrah-is-being-used-in-powerplay/story