India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah could miss the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand as the team management looks to manage his workload ahead of the crucial two-match Test series. With India focused on securing a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, keeping Bumrah fit and available for red-ball cricket has reportedly become a priority.
According to a report by The Times of India, the team management is considering resting the 32-year-old pacer during the 50-over leg of the New Zealand tour to avoid overworking him before the Test matches. Although Bumrah is reportedly fully fit, India are keen to ensure that he enters the longer format in the best possible condition.
“Bumrah is completely fit, but for a long tour, it’s important to prioritise,” a source was quoted as saying. “The Test series is very important, so there’s no point making Bumrah slog it out in the ODIs and then suddenly shift focus to red-ball cricket.”
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The workload management plan reportedly extends beyond the New Zealand tour, with India also keeping next year’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia in mind. The five-Test series at home will be another significant assignment, making Bumrah’s fitness essential to India’s plans.
“The plan is not just for New Zealand, but discussions are also happening for the BGT next year. There is no point wasting Bumrah for inconsequential bilaterals. Right now, the WTC is the focus, and all energies will be directed at planning for that,” the source added.
Jasprit Bumrah:
* Team wants him to focus on red-ball leg
* To play 3rd ‘A’ match before NZ Tests
* Completely fit but unlikely for ODIs
* Will report to CoE for routine assessment
* Team wants to plan better for BGT; keep Bumrah out of bilateralshttps://t.co/bLvyPZ7tk9
— Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) October 15, 2026
India’s tour of New Zealand is scheduled to begin with a five-match T20I series on October 22, followed by five ODIs starting November 4. The two-match Test series will begin on November 19, leaving only three days between the final ODI and the opening Test.
To help Bumrah prepare for red-ball cricket, the team management could consider giving him a game for India A against New Zealand A in the third unofficial Test of their three-match series.
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Bumrah has played limited ODI cricket since the 2023 World Cup final. He returned to India’s ODI setup against England earlier this year but managed only one wicket for 31 runs in nine overs. He featured in the second match as well before a left-knee impact injury sustained while fielding ruled him out of the final ODI. With important Test assignments approaching, India are expected to take a cautious approach to Bumrah’s workload rather than risk compromising his availability for their biggest red-ball challenges.
