India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand could prove crucial in shaping the team’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The six-week tour begins on October 22 and features a demanding 12-match bilateral schedule, comprising five T20Is, five ODIs and two Test matches that are part of the World Test Championship. With a major global tournament approaching, managing the workload of key players will be a significant priority for the Indian team management.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has shared his thoughts on how the team should manage Jasprit Bumrah during this period. Shastri believes the premier fast bowler should not be required to play all three formats regularly before the 2027 ODI World Cup, arguing that a carefully managed schedule could help preserve his effectiveness for India’s most important assignments.

Ravi Shastri explains why Jasprit Bumrah should not play all three formats

Bumrah remains one of India’s most valuable players across formats, thanks to his ability to deliver under pressure and trouble batters with his pace, accuracy and variations. However, the physical demands of international cricket make workload management particularly important for a fast bowler who has a history of injury concerns.

Shastri believes India should adopt a selective approach to Bumrah’s participation rather than expecting him to feature consistently in Tests, ODIs and T20Is.

“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. I’d rather preserve him for the two Tests in New Zealand, where he’ll be crucial,” Shastri said, as quoted by The Times of India.

The former India coach’s recommendation highlights the importance of keeping Bumrah fit for the long term. Fast bowlers face considerable physical demands, particularly when switching between formats with different workloads and schedules.

Prioritising Test cricket while limiting his appearances in white-ball matches could help India manage those demands more effectively. Selective participation would also allow the team to retain Bumrah’s services for important matches without unnecessarily increasing his workload ahead of the World Cup.

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Shastri explains importance of New Zealand tour

Shastri also believes India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand will offer valuable insights into the team’s overall preparedness ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. The tour’s extended schedule will provide opportunities to assess players across formats, evaluate combinations and identify areas requiring improvement before the next major international tournament.

According to Shastri, the conditions in New Zealand could offer useful preparation for the challenges India may encounter in South Africa during the World Cup. Both environments can demand adaptability from players, particularly when conditions favour seam bowling and disciplined batting.

“The entire tour is important. It will give a clear indication of where Indian cricket is heading. Conditions there could also mirror some of what India might face in South Africa during the World Cup,” Shastri added.

With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, managing senior players and building a balanced squad will be essential. Shastri’s advice on Bumrah reflects the need to strike that balance, ensuring India’s premier fast bowler remains available for the matches that matter most while the team continues preparing for the challenges ahead.

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