Photo via CricketAddictor

Ravi Shastri wants Jasprit Bumrah to give up on one format until 2027 World Cup

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has called for a strategic overhaul of Jasprit Bumrah’s international schedule, urging the team to limit his participation in ODIs and T20Is until the 2027 ODI World Cup. With the tournament set to take place across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, Shastri emphasized the need to preserve Bumrah’s fitness, particularly for the two upcoming Tests against New Zealand, where his experience will be critical.

India’s tour of New Zealand, beginning October 22, will feature five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Tests, offering a key opportunity to assess the team’s readiness for overseas conditions that may resemble those in South Africa. Bumrah will sit out the five-match ODI series to prioritize his availability for red-ball cricket, reflecting Shastri’s belief that selective appearances in limited-overs formats will better serve his long-term role in the World Cup campaign.

Shastri also highlighted the potential of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami for the New Zealand tour, praising their experience and recent performances. Kumar’s inclusion in the T20I squad was welcomed, with Shastri noting his adaptability to New Zealand’s conditions, while Shami was backed for a return to both Test and ODI sides.

Meanwhile, Shastri cautioned that India’s path to qualifying for the World Test Championship final remains challenging, requiring near-flawless results in the upcoming series, including victories in both Tests against New Zealand and at least four of five against Australia.

Up nextCricket· 5h ago

‘He should not play all three formats’: Shastri’s advice for Bumrah