Former Indian Head Coach Ravi Shastri on Jasprit Bumrah: ‘Don’t Think He Should Play All Three Formats’

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has urged the Indian team management to carefully manage Jasprit Bumrah’s workload, saying the premier fast bowler should not play all three international formats regularly ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Shastri believes India should prioritise Bumrah’s participation in Test cricket while using him selectively in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) to preserve his fitness for crucial assignments.

Speaking to The Times of India, Shastri stressed the importance of keeping Bumrah fresh for India’s upcoming two-Test series in New Zealand, where the fast bowler could play a decisive role.

“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.

“I’d rather preserve him for the two Tests in New Zealand, where he’ll be crucial,” he added.

Why Ravi Shastri Wants India to Manage Bumrah’s Workload

Bumrah is one of India’s most important fast bowlers across formats, but his injury history has made workload management a key consideration for the team management.

The pacer underwent back surgery in 2023 and has subsequently required careful monitoring of his playing schedule. The physical demands of fast bowling, particularly in Test cricket, make it important to balance his appearances with adequate recovery time.

Shastri’s advice reflects the need to protect Bumrah’s long-term fitness rather than expect him to feature in every series across all three formats.

With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, India will also need to ensure that its premier pace option remains available for major tournaments and important international matches.

India’s New Zealand Tour: Why Bumrah’s Role Matters

India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand is an important assignment, with the schedule featuring five T20Is, five ODIs and two Test matches. The conditions are expected to test India’s fast-bowling resources, making Bumrah’s availability for the red-ball series particularly significant.

Shastri believes Bumrah should be preserved for the two Tests rather than being required to play the entire white-ball schedule as well. His recommendation highlights the challenge of managing a fast bowler who is central to India’s plans across formats.

India’s broader objective will be to balance immediate results with preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Ravi Shastri Backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Return

Apart from discussing Bumrah’s workload, Shastri also welcomed experienced pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to India’s T20I plans.

He highlighted Bhuvneshwar’s experience, quality and performances in the Indian Premier League, saying those attributes could make him valuable in New Zealand conditions.

Shastri also backed Mohammed Shami, believing the experienced fast bowler had demonstrated his ability to contribute with both the red and white balls. His comments underline the importance of experienced players as India builds its bowling resources for upcoming international assignments.

What Lies Ahead for Jasprit Bumrah?

Bumrah’s workload is likely to remain an important consideration as India balances Test cricket, limited-overs assignments and preparations for the next ODI World Cup.

Shastri’s recommendation is clear: prioritise Test cricket, use Bumrah selectively in ODIs and T20Is, and avoid putting unnecessary demands on the fast bowler’s body.

For India, keeping Bumrah fit and available for its most important matches could prove as significant as his performances on the field.