‘He should not play all three formats’: Shastri’s advice for Bumrah

Ravi Shastri, who is serving as head coach of the Indian cricket team, expressed strong support for the selection of Bhuvneswar Kumar and Mohammed Shami in the Twenty20 International squad. He highlighted their experience and recent performances as key factors that give the team depth in pace bowling. The announcement came as India prepared for a series of matches that will test the side’s adaptability across formats, and the coach stressed that a balanced attack is essential for success.

Shastri also addressed the workload of Jasprit Bumrah, one of India's most effective fast bowlers. He cautioned that asking Bumrah to feature in Tests, One Day Internationals and T20 matches within a short period could increase the risk of injury and reduce his effectiveness. The coach suggested that the team management should rotate the bowler and give him sufficient rest between assignments, especially as the team gears up for the challenging conditions expected in New Zealand.

For Indian readers, the discussion matters because Bumrah’s performances often decide the outcome of close games, and his fitness has a direct impact on India's chances in major tournaments. The upcoming New Zealand tour is viewed as a litmus test for the team's preparation ahead of future world events, and the coach’s comments signal a strategic shift toward protecting key players while still fielding a competitive side across all formats.