Jasprit Bumrah should not play all formats till ODI World Cup 2027: Ravi Shastri

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has urged the team management to carefully manage Jasprit Bumrah’s workload ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, suggesting the pace master should prioritize Test cricket while being used sparingly in the limited-overs formats.

Bumrah has been recalled to the Indian Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against New Zealand, but has been left out of the five ODIs and five T20Is scheduled before the red-ball matches. Shastri believes India must resist the temptation to use their first fast bowler in all three formats as they prepare for next year’s global tournament.

“I don’t think he should play all three formats till the ODI World Cup,” Shastri told the Indian media on Sunday.

“He should play Test cricket and he should play sporadically between one-day internationals and T20 cricket. He also shouldn’t play the whole game.”

“I would prefer to keep him for Test matches. That is very important. He becomes a key member of that Indian side. Then he should be used sparingly in other formats.”

Bumrah’s fitness has been a significant consideration for India in recent years his career has been interrupted by recurring back problems. The 32-year-old underwent surgery in 2023, making workload management a key aspect of his availability across formats.

He was also ruled out of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka in August due to a left knee injury. However, he returned to T20 action at the Asian Games where he helped India secure the gold medal.

Shastri’s comments highlight the balancing act facing the Indian team management as they look to keep Bumrah ready for major duties without compromising the team’s immediate demands. The fast bowler remains an important figure in India’s plans and managing his performances could be key to ensuring he is available when the stakes are highest.

TEST CRICKET REMAINS THE PRIORITY

Shastri’s recommendation places special emphasis on retaining Bumrah for Test cricket, rather than making the World Cup his sole priority. He believes the pacer should continue to perform in India’s longest format while being picked selectively for ODIs and T20Is.

The former coach’s comments come at a time when India’s international calendar offers few opportunities to rotate players and manage workloads. After touring New Zealand, India are scheduled to host Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in limited-overs series before taking on Australia in a five-Test series that ends in February.

The sequence of assignments will require the team management to weigh the demands of red-ball cricket with the preparations for the post-50 World Cup. Shastri’s view is that Bumrah should not be expected to carry the burden of all three formats during this period.

The challenge for India will be to strike the right balance between keeping the fast bowler ready and avoiding unnecessary physical exertion. His ability to play in crucial matches makes his availability particularly important, especially as the team begins planning for the next World Cup cycle.

WORLD CUP IN SOUTH AFRICA

The The 2027 ODI World Cup will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October 2 to November 21. With the tournament looming, how to handle their top fast bowlers is likely to be a key part of India’s preparations.

Bumrah’s injury record means his schedule will require careful consideration, especially in a calendar that includes tough Test assignments as well as limited-overs cricket.

Shastri, who coached India between 2017 and 2021, demanded a selective approach from the fast bowler rather than an all-format commitment. His recommendation is clear: get Bumrah involved in Test cricket, limit his appearances in the shorter formats and prioritize his long-term availability.

Whether India takes this approach will depend on its wider plans and Bumrah’s fitness, but the former coach believes retaining the paceman could prove vital as the team builds towards the 2027 World Cup.

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