BCCI Maps Out Jasprit Bumrah’s Workload Plan Ahead Of New Zealand Tour: Report

New Delhi, Oct 15: India's premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to feature in the upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand, as the team management looks to manage his workload and prioritise his preparation for the red-ball leg of the tour, according to a report by The Times of India.

Bumrah is reportedly fully fit, but the Indian think-tank wants him to focus on Test cricket rather than risk overloading him across formats during a demanding tour.

According to a Times of India report citing official sources, Bumrah could feature in the third India A fixture, scheduled to begin on November 6, to build up his workload before the first Test in Wellington, starting on November 19. The fast bowler has already begun his red-ball preparations in Ahmedabad and is expected to visit the BCCI Centre of Excellence later this month before travelling to New Zealand.

A source tracking developments told The Times of India that Bumrah's fitness is not a concern, but workload management remains the priority.

"Bumrah is completely fit, but for a long tour, it's important to prioritise. 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," the source said.

The management's approach is also understood to be linked to India's upcoming Test assignments, particularly the five-match series against Australia early next year. With the World Test Championship (WTC) remaining a key focus, India are keen to ensure that their leading fast bowler is available for the most important fixtures.

The source further highlighted the team's broader workload strategy, saying: "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."

Bumrah's recent red-ball history has also made careful management important. He last played a multi-day fixture against South Africa at home last year, while a knee injury ruled him out of India's two-Test series against Sri Lanka earlier this year.

Meanwhile, India's ODI and Test squads for the New Zealand tour are expected to be announced in the coming days. The selectors are also awaiting fitness updates on Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna and Rishabh Pant before finalising their selections.