Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond has backed Jasprit Bumrah after India’s decision to rest the star pacer from the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, despite him being fully fit and carrying no injury concerns. Bond has strongly disagreed with suggestions that Bumrah is selectively choosing the formats he wants to play, insisting that workload management is essential for fast bowlers competing in an increasingly demanding international calendar.
Bumrah’s absence from the ODI squad has attracted attention, particularly with the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching. His last Test appearance came against South Africa on November 22, 2025, while his most recent ODI outing was against England in July 2026. The Indian speedster was also named Player of the Match in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final on March 8, 2026. With India looking to keep their premier fast bowler fresh for important red-ball assignments, the team management has opted against using him across all three formats. Bond, who previously worked closely with Bumrah as the bowling coach of Mumbai Indians, believes the criticism surrounding the decision is unfair.
Speaking to The Times of India, Shane Bond dismissed the perception that players deliberately avoid certain formats because of personal preferences. “There’s often a perception that players are simply picking and choosing what they want to play. I don’t think that’s the case at all,” Bond said.
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The former New Zealand pacer also explained why fast bowlers require careful planning, particularly when returning from injuries. According to Bond, the transition back into competitive cricket is often the most vulnerable period, making it important to avoid unnecessary physical strain. “The biggest risk period is always when a player is returning from injury and readjusting to competitive cricket. That’s why I think it’s pretty harsh on Booms (Bumrah) to suggest he’s picking and choosing,” he added.
Bond further highlighted the difference between bowling in Test and ODI cricket. While a fast bowler generally delivers a maximum of 10 overs in a 50-over match, Test cricket demands considerably more effort, with bowlers expected to deliver multiple spells across several sessions.
He stressed that India’s packed schedule makes workload management particularly important, especially with international and franchise cricket placing additional demands on leading players. “It applies not just to Booms but to every player. India play an enormous amount of cricket, so managing workloads is essential. You want your best players fit, fresh and ready when the World Cup arrives next October or November. Every major cricket nation is trying to achieve the same balance, especially with the demands of both international and franchise cricket,” Shane Bond explained.
Bond also referred to Australia’s tour of South Africa and their four-Test series against New Zealand as examples of the scheduling challenges faced by international teams. He suggested that countries must find the right balance between international commitments and franchise tournaments, with players such as Hardik Pandya also part of the wider workload management discussion.
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Meanwhile, the five-match India vs New Zealand ODI series began on November 4, 2026. Bumrah was expected to report to the National Cricket Academy’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru as the ODI squad travelled to New Zealand, allowing him to follow a separate preparation programme.
India’s first Test against New Zealand is scheduled to begin in Wellington on November 19. With the 2027 ODI World Cup expected in October or November next year, Bond believes preserving Bumrah’s fitness and ensuring his availability for major tournaments should remain a priority for Indian cricket.
