India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to play in the upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand as the team management wants him to focus on red-ball cricket. According to a report by TOI, Bumrah is fully fit, but the Indian think tank is keen to manage his workload ahead of the Test series.

The team management wants the pace spearhead to build up his match fitness by playing in the third India A fixture before joining the Indian team for the Test series in New Zealand.

Bumrah likely to Play India A Match Before Tests

The India A fixture is scheduled to begin on November 6, while the first Test against New Zealand will start in Wellington on November 19. The gap between the two matches would give Bumrah enough time to prepare for the five-day format.

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Bumrah has already started preparing for red-ball cricket in Ahmedabad. He is also expected to visit the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) later this month before travelling to New Zealand.

A source tracking the developments told TOI that Bumrah’s fitness is not a concern, but managing his workload remains a priority given the demands of the upcoming tour.

The source said the team wants Bumrah to be fresh and ready for the Test series rather than make him play ODIs before switching to the longer format.

Why will Bumrah miss the ODI series vs New Zealand despite getting fit?

Bumrah’s availability for the Test series is a major priority for India, especially with the team looking to manage its fast bowlers carefully across a demanding international schedule.

The pacer last played a multi-day match against South Africa at home last year. He was also ruled out of the two Tests against Sri Lanka earlier this year due to a knee injury.

The team management is now keen to ensure that he is fully prepared for the upcoming red-ball assignments. Discussions are also taking place with an eye on the five-Test series against Australia early next year.

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According to the TOI source, India’s plans are not limited to the New Zealand tour. The team wants to ensure that Bumrah is available for important Test matches instead of adding to his workload through bilateral series that are not a priority.

With the World Test Championship (WTC) remaining a major focus, India are expected to take a cautious approach towards managing the workload of their premier fast bowler.

India Squads Expected To Be Announced Soon

The Indian selectors are likely to announce the ODI and Test squads for the New Zealand tour in the coming days.

They are also waiting for updates on the fitness of several players, including Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna and Rishabh Pant, before finalising the squads.