Former Sri Lankan fast bowler Chaminda Vaas believes managing ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s workload will be crucial for India. Vaas added that the Indian team management must protect the 32-year-old pacer carefully and ensure he remains fit for major assignments, including the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Jasprit Bumrah is currently sidelined with a knee injury he suffered during the ODI series against England last month. He was initially included in India’s squad for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. However, the medical team ruled him out of the series as a precaution and decided not to risk his fitness further.
"He Is the Best in the World at the Moment" - Chaminda Vaas on Jasprit Bumrah
Speaking to RevSportz, Chaminda Vaas said that Jasprit Bumrah remains one of the best fast bowlers in the world but needs enough time to recover between matches. He said that the pacer’s unique action and heavy workload can increase the risk of injuries
"There is no doubt that he is the best in the world at the moment. He has been playing a lot of cricket. Bumrah has played T20s, 50-over cricket and the IPL. He has a unique action. The way he plays and bowls a lot of overs can tend to lead to injuries. But I think India will have a plan for the next 50-over World Cup."
"He will be a different bowler when it comes to Test cricket compared to One-Day cricket. But being a fast bowler, you need to have a proper recovery process and get back into the game gradually. There is no doubt that he is the best in the world at the moment when it comes to Test cricket."
🚨Exclusive: India will have to manage Bumrah well for World Cup and Tests: Chaminda Vaas
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) August 12, 2026
Managing Jasprit Bumrah well for the 2027 World Cup and WTC will be extremely crucial for India, feels former Sri Lankan pacer Chaminda Vaas. The 52-year-old in this exclusive interaction… pic.twitter.com/kSyP19mJ7Q
Jasprit Bumrah Replaced by Auqib Nabi for Sri Lanka Tests
India excluded Bumrah from the squad for the Sri Lanka Test series. Jammu and Kashmir fast bowler Auqib Nabi was named as his replacement and joined the Indian squad in Colombo ahead of the tour.
Bumrah will miss both Tests against Sri Lanka. India will begin the series at the Galle International Stadium on August 15, while the second Test is scheduled to take place at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from August 23.
The absence of Jasprit Bumrah leaves India without their leading pace option for the away series. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna will have responsibility with the ball, while the team management will look to its other pace options.
Jasprit Bumrah's Recovery Timeline
There is no confirmed timeline for Bumrah’s return from his latest knee injury. The fast bowler is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to regain his full fitness.
Bumrah remains an important part of India’s plans for the major tournaments. His availability will be particularly important for the 2027 ODI World Cup, making his recovery and workload management a key focus for the team management.
India have also been building more depth in their pace department. Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh remain senior options, while Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav, Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar provide younger alternatives who can be developed across formats.
India have more room to manage Bumrah without rushing him back. With a packed international schedule ahead, the team can rotate its fast bowlers and give Bumrah the recovery time needed before major tournaments.