LONDON: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has urged the team management to carefully manage Jasprit Bumrah’s workload ahead of next year’s One-Day International World Cup, suggesting the fast bowler should be used sparingly outside Test cricket.
Bumrah was recalled to India’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match series in New Zealand but has been left out of the five-match ODI and five-match T20I series that will precede the Tests.
Shastri believes limiting Bumrah’s appearances in white-ball cricket could help India keep their premier fast bowler fit and available for the World Cup.
Shastri Calls for Selective Use
“I don’t think he should play all three formats till the ODI World Cup,” Shastri told Indian media on Sunday.
The former coach suggested that Bumrah should prioritise Test cricket while making only occasional appearances in ODIs and T20Is.
“He should play Test cricket and should play sporadically between one-day internationals and T20 cricket. He also shouldn’t be playing the whole lot,” Shastri said.
“I would rather preserve him for the Test matches. That’s very important. He becomes a key member of that Indian side. Then he should be used sparingly in the other formats.”
Bumrah’s Injury History Raises Workload Concerns
Bumrah’s career has been affected by recurring back problems, including a serious injury that required surgery in 2023.
The 32-year-old was also ruled out of India’s two-Test series against Sri Lanka in August because of a left knee injury.
He subsequently returned to T20 cricket at the Asian Games, where he helped India secure the gold medal.
His injury history has made workload management an important consideration for India, particularly with a major global tournament approaching.
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Busy Schedule Before World Cup
India face a demanding international schedule in the months leading up to the 2027 World Cup.
After the New Zealand tour, India are scheduled to host Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in limited-overs series before welcoming Australia for a five-Test series, which is expected to conclude in February.
The packed schedule could increase the pressure on the Indian team to carefully manage key players, particularly fast bowlers who face greater physical demands.
2027 World Cup on the Horizon
The 2027 ODI World Cup will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October 2 to November 21.
With the tournament less than a year away, Shastri believes India should prioritise Bumrah’s long-term fitness rather than using him extensively across all three formats.
For India, keeping their premier pace bowler healthy and available for the World Cup could be a key part of their preparations for the tournament.
