Jasprit Bumrah may not play in the ODI series in New Zealand. Reports say the team wants to manage his workload. The focus is on keeping him ready for the Test matches.
The team does not want him to play too much cricket on a long tour. The Test series is more important. So they want him fresh for that.
A report says Bumrah could play one match for India A. That game starts on November 6. It would help him build up his bowling load before the first Test. The first Test starts on November 19 in Wellington. Bumrah has already started training in Ahmedabad. He will visit the BCCI Centre of Excellence later this month. Then he will travel to New Zealand.
A source said Bumrah’s fitness is not a problem. The issue is managing his workload. The source said it makes no sense to make him play the ODIs and then switch to red-ball cricket. He is the leader of the bowling attack. A fresh Bumrah is the priority.
The plan is also linked to the Test series against Australia early next year. India want to do well in the World Test Championship. So they want Bumrah ready for the big matches. The source said there is no point in using Bumrah in less important series. The WTC is the focus right now.
Bumrah has had injury problems in the past. He last played a long-format match against South Africa at home last year. A knee injury kept him out of the Sri Lanka Test series earlier this year. The ODI and Test squads for New Zealand will be announced soon.
Former Coach Backs India’s Plan for Bumrah Ahead of New Zealand Tests
Sanjay Bangar has praised the way India have handled Jasprit Bumrah’s playing time. Bangar is a former India batting coach. He feels the team has done well to keep Bumrah fresh for the Test matches in New Zealand.
Bumrah is 32. He has had fitness problems in recent years. A knee injury kept him out of the Test series in Sri Lanka. Because of this, India have rested him from several white-ball series. He is not playing in the current T20I series against the West Indies at home.
The two Tests in New Zealand are very important for India. They need strong results to reach the 2027 World Test Championship final. Bangar said this is the most important series for India’s qualification hopes. He expects India to do well at home against Australia later. But if India struggles in New Zealand, they could be knocked out of the race.
Bangar also spoke about the challenge of playing in New Zealand. He said India have performed well away from home in England, Australia, and South Africa. But New Zealand is a place most teams have not conquered. He thinks that will motivate the players. He noted that New Zealand use their ground dimensions well. Their pitches also reduce the role of spinners.
India are currently fifth in the WTC standings. They have only two series left in this cycle. One is in New Zealand. The other is at home against Australia.
Bangar wants India to pick four fast bowlers for the New Zealand Tests. He named Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep as options alongside Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Bangar said the support bowlers will be important. If Prasidh and Akash play, the lower order becomes a bit weak. But he believes that if all four pacers play, India can bowl New Zealand out twice. He said the bowling depth is good. The main question is whether everyone stays fit.
India will play five T20Is and five ODIs in New Zealand before the Tests. The two-Test series starts on November 19.
FAQs
Q. Why is India resting Jasprit Bumrah for the New Zealand ODIs?
A. India wants to manage Bumrah’s workload and keep him fresh for the Test series.
Q. When does India’s Test series against New Zealand begin?
A. The first Test begins on November 19 in Wellington.
Q. Could Jasprit Bumrah play for India A before the Test series?
A. Reports suggest he could play an India A match starting on November 6.
Q. What did former India coach Sanjay Bangar say?
A. Bangar praised and supported keeping Bumrah fresh for the important Tests.
Q. Which fast bowlers did Sanjay Bangar suggest for the New Zealand Tests?
A. Bangar suggested Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Akash Deep.
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