Jasprit Bumrah (C) with Suryakumar Yadav (L), and Hardik Pandya (R)
In what seems to be a significant development for Indian cricket fans, they might have to wait to see star India pacer Jasprit Bumrah in ODIs. Just a few days ago, on December 28, a report from Cricbuzz stated that the team management is likely to keep Bumrah out of the ODI series against New Zealand.
The decision is being considered as management’s move to prioritize the key pacer’s workload as they want him fit and available for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, starting next month.
Jasprit Bumrah’s absence in the ODIs against New Zealand will make the selectors take a look at other bowling options. That said, here’s a look at how the IND vs NZ ODI series will reveal the Men in Blue’s bowling options beyond Jasprit Bumrah.
The blueprint without Bumrah
Notably, the question of India’s bowling plans beyond Bumrah also becomes quintessential as the ODI World Cup 2027 is less than two years away. Accordingly, his ‘vulnerability to injuries’ is expected to compel the management to consider a blueprint for the worst-case scenario.
Notably, another factor to keep in mind here is that left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh might also be rested from NZ ODIs, considering the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 plans. But, he could be a key figure in the pace attack without Bumrah in India’s long-term ODI plans.
Besides Arshdeep, the ODIs against New Zealand could also mark the comeback of Mohammed Siraj, who excelled across two other formats. He scalped seven wickets in four games during the recently concluded 20-over SMAT 2025.
Earlier, he was also India’s star performer with the ball in the Test series against England in England last year. So, Siraj could also be a good fit in the attack in the 50-over format with the new ball.
Possible ways to manage NZ ODIs and long-term plans
Speaking of the New Zealand ODIs, picking the veteran pacer Mohammed Shami could be a good move to execute. Apart from this, his place in the team for the ODI World Cup 2027 plans is still a ‘point to be discussed’ among selectors, considering his age and fitness concerns.
Having Arshdeep and Siraj as two key pacers in the long-term ODI plans, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana might also fit in to take charge in the middle overs. If Shami and Siraj return to the squad for the ODIs against the Blackcaps, either of Prasidh or Harshit will be in the lineup. The team management might move forward with a three-pacer strategy considering the home conditions against New Zealand.
So, India’s pace attack against NZ is expected to feature Shami, Siraj, and Prasidh/Harshit. Speaking of the long-term plans and ODI World Cup in South Africa’s pace-friendly conditions, it might look like “Arshdeep, Shami, Siraj, and Prasidh/Harshit” sans Jasprit Bumrah.
Spin as a strategic cushion
The Indian team management is also likely to use the spin attack as a cushion to neutralize Bumrah’s absence. Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel could be the three quality options to take the responsibility to bowl in the middle overs. It will also suit India’s plans in the spin-friendly home conditions.
Besides this trio, Washington Sundar’s name is also expected to be there at the selectors’ table. He also has a knack of adding value to the team's spin attack.
Any two or three out of these four spinners can be used to control tempo, take wickets in the middle overs, and provide a cushion to the phases where pace bowlers go weak.
Jasprit Bumrah has been a workhorse for India across formats since the time he has stepped foot on the international cricket stage. However, his absence across key international tournaments duer to injuries has also hampered the team.
Keeping in mind the ultimate goal of playing the best side in the 2027 World Cup, the Indian team management will have to be very cautious in Bumrah's handling. This, however, gives the selectors a chance to prepare a core of pacers from the domestic circuit who might go on to lead India for the years to come.
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