Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has advised the team management to manage Jasprit Bumrah’s workload carefully ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. Shastri believes the fast bowler should prioritise Test cricket and play ODIs and T20Is selectively to remain fit for major assignments.

India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand will feature five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests, starting on October 22. The tour will test India’s preparations for overseas conditions, with the 2027 ODI World Cup scheduled to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. India will also face Australia in a five-Test series.

Ravi Shastri Backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami for India Comebacks

Speaking to The Times of India, Ravi Shastri welcomed Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to India’s T20I squad for the New Zealand tour. He believes the experienced pacer’s recent performances in the IPL and international experience could make him a valuable option in New Zealand’s conditions.

“There is no substitute for experience,” Shastri told TOI. “When you have a bowler of Bhuvneshwar’s quality and experience, it’s a no-brainer. With the form he showed in the IPL and his years with India, he’ll be ideal for New Zealand conditions.”

Shastri also backed Mohammed Shami for a return to India’s Test and ODI squads. He believes the fast bowler has done enough with the red and white balls to earn another international opportunity.

“He’s done enough with both red and white balls to be recalled to the Test and ODI sides,” he said.

Ravi Shastri Urges India to Manage Jasprit Bumrah’s Workload

Ravi Shastri said India must carefully manage Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness in the build-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup. The pacer will miss the five-match ODI series against New Zealand as the team manages his workload and prioritises his availability for red-ball cricket.

“I don’t think he should play all three formats until the World Cup. He should focus primarily on Test cricket and feature sporadically in ODIs and T20Is. I’d rather preserve him for the two Tests in New Zealand, where he’ll be crucial,” Shastri said.

“The entire tour is important. It will give a clear indication of where Indian cricket is heading. Conditions there could also mirror some of what India might face in South Africa during the World Cup,” he said.

Ravi Shastri Warns India About New Zealand Conditions and WTC Final Race

Ravi Shastri believes India face a difficult task in qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. He said the team would need to win around 90% of its remaining matches, including both Tests in New Zealand and at least four of the five Tests against Australia.

“For India, qualifying for the final is an uphill task. They probably need to win around 90 per cent of their remaining games, including both Tests in New Zealand and at least four of the five against Australia. It’s not impossible, but a lot depends on other results as well,” Shastri said.

“New Zealand will be coming out of winter, so the pitches should be fresh and conducive to seam and swing. The ball will move in the air and off the surface, and the wind can make things even tougher. India will have to adapt quickly,” he said.

“It’s a massive challenge for a young captain, but Gill is in prime form and has always done well in New Zealand. He knows the conditions.”