Asia Cup 2025: Why is Jasprit Bumrah not playing India vs Sri Lanka Match 18?

On Friday, September 26, India will face Sri Lanka in the 18th match of the ongoing Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Suryakumar Yadav’s team has already punched their tickets to the final. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has already withdrawn from the competition. While this is a minor event, both teams will want to make the most of it with only a few months till the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Toss Update

Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and opted to field first. He said that his team will look to keep India down to 170-175. Meanwhile, Suryakumar admitted that he would have also batted first had he won the toss. He spoke about wanting to continue in the way they have played so far in the tournament.

Jasprit Bumrah, Shivam Dube rested

Suryakumar Yadav mentioned at the toss that Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh are playing this game in place of Jasprit Bumrah and Shivam Dube. It seems that India are resting the duo ahead of Sunday’s final. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka have brought in Janith Liyanage in place of Chamika Karunaratne.

What did the captains say?

Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka captain)

We are going to bowl first. We know that we can’t qualify for the final but it is still an important game for us. It is a good pitch and we want to restrict them to 170-175. They have been doing really well especially our openers. We have one change – Janith Liyange comes in for Chamika Karunaratne.

Suryakumar Yadav (India captain)

Just continue doing what we have been doing. We were actually looking to bat first. Good atmosphere, good game and we are looking forward to it. It is part of the game (dropped catches). We have two changes – Bumrah and Dube are out, Arshdeep and Harshit come in.

IND vs SL, Match 18 Playing 11s

India

Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Sri Lanka

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kusal Perera, Charith Asalanka (C), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara.