Ravi Shastri Warns Against Overusing Jasprit Bumrah Before 2027 World Cup

New Delhi: (Sports Desk) – Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has advised the Indian team management to carefully manage Jasprit Bumrah’s workload ahead of next year’s One Day International (ODI) World Cup, suggesting that the fast bowler should prioritise Test cricket and be used selectively in other formats.

Bumrah was recalled to India’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against New Zealand but will miss the five-match ODI and five-match T20 International series preceding the Tests.

The 32-year-old pacer has struggled with recurring injuries throughout his career, particularly back problems that required surgery in 2023. He was also ruled out of a two-Test series against Sri Lanka in August because of a left knee injury before returning to T20 cricket at the Asian Games, where he helped India secure gold.

Speaking to Indian media on Sunday, Shastri said Bumrah should avoid playing all three formats until the 2027 ODI World Cup. He recommended that the fast bowler feature primarily in Test cricket while making selective appearances in ODIs and T20 Internationals.

Shastri, who coached India from 2017 to 2021, stressed that Bumrah’s availability for Test matches should remain a priority, while his participation in other formats should be carefully controlled to reduce the risk of further injuries.

Following the New Zealand tour, India are scheduled to host Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe for limited-overs series before facing Australia in a five-match Test series concluding in February.

The 2027 ODI World Cup will be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from October 2 to November 21, making Bumrah’s fitness and workload management important considerations for India’s preparations.