Photo via The Times of India

Team India firms up plan for Bumrah: One India A match before NZ Tests; ODIs unlikely

India’s selectors have finalized a cautious approach for Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, opting to keep him out of the five-match ODI series to preserve his fitness for the red-ball challenges. Bumrah, who has already begun his Test preparations in Ahmedabad, will instead feature in the third India A match on November 6 before joining the senior side for the Wellington Test opener on November 19.

The decision follows his recent knee injury, which sidelined him during the two-Test series against Sri Lanka earlier this year, and reflects a strategic focus on the World Test Championship (WTC) and the subsequent five-Test series against Australia in early 2025. Team management has emphasized the importance of Bumrah’s role as the bowling leader, ensuring he remains fresh for the longer format, with discussions also extending to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy next year.

India’s ODI and Test squads are expected to be announced shortly, pending updates on players like Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, and Rishabh Pant.

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