'I don't think he should play all three formats until the World Cup'

Ravi Shastri said Jasprit Bumrah should not play all three formats until the 2027 ODI World Cup and should focus primarily on Test cricket. He made the comments ahead of India's tour of New Zealand, where Bumrah has been rested for the five ODIs and five T20Is. Shastri added that Bumrah should feature only sporadically in the limited-overs formats to stay fresh for the World Cup in South Africa.

Shastri said the fast bowler would be crucial for the two-Test series against New Zealand starting November 19 in Wellington. He described qualifying for the World Test Championship final as an uphill task, noting India needs to win around 90 per cent of its remaining games.

The former India head coach also backed Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to the T20I squad, citing the veteran's experience and recent IPL form with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.