Shubman Gill has repeatedly raised concerns about not having India’s best ODI team available, even with the World Cup just a year away. The Indian captain wants his strongest players together to build a settled side, but it appears he will have to wait again. India are set to rest star pacer Jasprit Bumrah for the ODI series against New Zealand, leaving Gill without his leading fast bowler for another important assignment.
Bumrah is fully fit. His likely absence is part of India’s workload management plans, with the team prioritising his preparation for the New Zealand Tests and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The decision could also open the door for Bhuvneshwar Kumar to make a surprise ODI comeback, potentially from the beginning of the five-match series.
Bumrah Likely to Receive a Complete ODI Break
The preferred plan is to keep Bumrah out of the entire New Zealand ODI series so he can focus on red-ball cricket.
The management wants to organise his bowling workload around the demands of the upcoming Test assignments. Bumrah has already been rested from the New Zealand T20I series, meaning he could miss both white-ball legs of the tour.
There remains a limited alternative. If India decide to use him in the ODI series, he is expected to play only two of the opening three matches. He will not feature in the fourth and fifth ODIs.
However, a complete rest remains the stronger possibility at this stage. His absence from the ODI squad has not yet been officially confirmed.
India A Match Planned Before New Zealand Tests
Bumrah’s preparation is expected to include an appearance in the third unofficial match against New Zealand A before he joins the senior Test side.
That would allow him to build his bowling workload specifically for the longer format instead of moving through the T20I and ODI series first.
The plan is then for him to play the New Zealand Tests before turning his attention to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Keeping him fit for those assignments is the main priority behind the proposed white-ball break.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Could Return From the Start of the ODI Series
With Bumrah likely to be unavailable, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is under consideration for a return to India’s ODI squad.
CricInformer had earlier reported that Bhuvneshwar was part of the selection discussions. There is now a strong possibility that he could be included from the beginning of the five-match series.
His return to India’s T20I squad has already been confirmed. An ODI selection would extend that comeback into another format, although no official announcement has been made about his place in the 50-over team.
If Bhuvneshwar is not selected for the opening three ODIs, he is highly likely to be considered for the fourth and fifth matches under the current plan.
The key selection decision is whether to bring him into the ODI squad immediately or introduce him for the final two games. With Bumrah likely to focus entirely on red-ball preparation, Bhuvneshwar’s chances of an ODI return have strengthened.
Get cricket updates. Follow CricInformer:
Download the CricInformer app
Take CricInformer with you. Get our app for cricket news and updates on your phone.