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India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to play in the upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand, as the Indian team management wants him to focus on Test cricket.
It is being said that Bumrah is fully fit, but the Indian team management wants to manage his workload carefully to keep him fresh for the important Test matches. Amid this, BCCI is ready to increase salaries, yet 2 former India stars reject West Zone selector’s job.
Jasprit Bumrah set to miss New Zealand ODI series
The Indian think-tank is planning Bumrah’s schedule with a bigger target in mind. With the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) being a major priority, India does not want to risk exhausting their leading fast bowler in bilateral ODIs before the crucial Test series in New Zealand.
The same plan could follow by the Indian think tank for Bumrah ahead of the five-match Test series against Australia early next year.
A source close to the development was quoted as saying by the Times of India, "Bumrah is completely fit, but for a long tour, it's important to prioritize. The Test series is very important, so there's no point making Bumrah slog it out in the ODIs and then suddenly shift focus to red-ball cricket. He is the leader of the bowling pack, and a fresh, ready Bumrah is the priority right now.”
Jasprit Bumrah set to play India A match ahead of New Zealand Test series
Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah is expected to play in the third India A match, which starts on November 6, to increase his workload before joining the Indian team in New Zealand. There is enough time between that fixture and the first Test in Wellington, which begins on November 19.
The star pacer has already started preparing for red-ball cricket in Ahmedabad. He is also expected to visit the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru later this month before travelling to New Zealand.
The Indian team management wants the fast bowler to be fully prepared for the Tests. Bumrah last played a Test match against South Africa at home last year. He missed both Test matches against Sri Lanka earlier this year because of the knee injury.
India wants Jasprit Bumrah fresh for Australia Tests
After that, several discussions have reportedly taken place among key members of the Indian setup about Bumrah’s schedule. Well, the planning is not just for the New Zealand tour. Amid this, Yashasvi Jaiswal OUT of Mumbai’s Ranji squad, Suryansh Shedge, Angkrish Raghuvanshi added.
India is scheduled to play the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia early next year to prepare for it, and the team wants its leading fast bowler to remain fit and available for these important five Test matches, keeping in mind the WTC Final goal.
The source added, “The plan is not just for New Zealand, but discussions are also happening for the BGT next year. There is no point wasting Bumrah for inconsequential bilaterals. Right now, the WTC is the focus, and all energies will be directed at planning for that.”
Well, India’s ODI and Test squads for the New Zealand tour are likely to be announced in the next few days. The selectors are waiting for updates on Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, and Rishabh Pant before making their final decisions.
