Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has advised Jasprit Bumrah against playing all three international formats until the 2027 ODI World Cup, stressing the need to manage the fast bowler’s workload and preserve him for key assignments.
Speaking to The Times of India, Shastri said Bumrah should focus primarily on Test cricket while featuring selectively in limited-overs internationals.
“I don’t think he should play all three formats until the World Cup. He should focus primarily on Test cricket and feature sporadically in ODIs and T20Is,” Shastri said.
He added that Bumrah’s availability would be particularly important during India’s upcoming two-Test series in New Zealand and said he would prefer to preserve the pacer for those matches.
India’s six-week tour of New Zealand, beginning October 22, is scheduled to feature five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests. The tour will also provide India with an opportunity to assess its preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Shastri also backed the return of experienced fast bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami to India’s squads.
Welcoming Bhuvneshwar’s inclusion in the T20I squad, he said the bowler’s experience and performances in the Indian Premier League made him a valuable option for New Zealand conditions.
“There is no substitute for experience,” Shastri said, adding that Bhuvneshwar’s quality and experience made his selection an obvious choice.
Shastri also argued that Shami had done enough with both the red and white balls to warrant a recall to the Test and ODI sides.
The former coach’s comments come amid continued discussion over how India should manage its senior fast bowlers across formats while balancing immediate international commitments with preparations for major tournaments.