Bumrahs ODI Absence Raises Questions Ahead of 2027 World Cup Preparation
Indias Jasprit Bumrah has played just two ODIs since the 2023 World Cup, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
New Delhi, October 17 (Daily Kiran) : India’s cricket selectors have announced the ODI and Test squads for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. While Jasprit Bumrah has made a return to the Test team, he has once again been excluded from the ODI lineup. Given the favorable conditions for fast bowlers, many anticipated that he would be included in the five-match ODI series. However, the selectors opted to manage his workload, restricting him to the Test squad.
Since the conclusion of the 2023 ODI World Cup, Bumrah has participated in only two One Day Internationals. He did not play any ODIs in 2024 or 2025. In 2026, he was selected for the ODI series against England but was injured after playing two matches, missing the final game of that series.
As the Indian team gears up for the ODI World Cup in 2027, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, questions arise regarding Bumrah’s limited opportunities to play in ODIs. His skill as a bowler is unquestionable, but maintaining his fitness and mindset for the format is crucial.
Bumrah was also absent from the recent home ODI series against the West Indies, as he was sent to participate in the 2026 Asian Games instead. During that tournament, he bowled just six overs, which is less than what is typically bowled in a single ODI match. The New Zealand tour presented a significant opportunity for him to gain experience in conditions favorable to fast bowlers, while also testing his fitness in the ODI format.
Following the New Zealand tour, the Indian team will only have ODI series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, both of which will be held on home soil. The 2027 Asia Cup is also set to be played in the ODI format. Given that the World Cup will take place overseas, the chance to provide Bumrah with valuable match practice in New Zealand was missed by the selectors and team management. While managing his workload is important, keeping him away from ODIs with less than a year to go before the World Cup seems questionable.
