Ravi Shastri Advises Jasprit Bumrah Not To Play All Three Formats

Jasprit Bumrah asked not to play all formats [Source: AFP]

India’s tour of New Zealand is just around the corner, and the squad announcement has created a buzz after Jasprit Bumrah was named only in the Test squad. In the lead-up to the 2027 World Cup, his presence in the ODI setup remains instrumental, but red-ball cricket currently ranks higher in priority.

Former India coach and broadcaster Ravi Shastri has welcomed this decision with open arms and opened up about Bumrah’s participation in all formats. He has categorically asked the player to focus on the longer formats.

Ravi Shastri’s advice to Bumrah

Bumrah’s international career has been injury-riddled, with several back-related issues keeping him out of action for long periods. How his body copes with long tours and continuous game time is always a point of concern.

With the World Cup approaching, Ravi Shastri, who has seen Bumrah in close quarters, has asked the player and the Indian management to tread carefully and manage his workload.

"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 told TOI.

"The entire [New Zealand] 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," he added.

Bumrah sets eyes on revenge in New Zealand

In 2024, New Zealand toured India for a three-match Test series and defeated the hosts at home 0-3. This was India's first series loss at home in 12 years, grabbing a lot of media attention.

So as India prepares for the two-match Test series against the Kiwis, they also eye a win in their first away series against the Blackcaps since 2009. India have failed to win any match in New Zealand in their last three tours, and Jasprit Bumrah will be instrumental in turning their fortunes.

A New Zealand tour is one of the toughest assignments for the Indians, and although he has only played two Tests there, the Indian ace pacer has his worst bowling average in the country. He has 6 wickets in 4 innings, averaging 31.66 — the bowler does not average more than 26.19 in any other country.

So, if India wants to win the series and stay alive in the WTC, Bumrah would like to perform at his best and live up to his Test bowling average of 19.79.