India may rest Bumrah for New Zealand ODIs

India’s team management is reportedly leaning toward leaving Jasprit Bumrah out of the five-match ODI series against New Zealand to prioritize his preparation for the two-Test series. No final selection decision has been announced, and his possible participation in an India A match is also under consideration. The reported plan is part of workload management, with the team seeking to have Bumrah focus on red-ball cricket before the Tests. The rationale attributed to a team source is that a long tour makes it important to prioritize the format in which India considers him especially important. The reports do not describe the likely ODI omission as a response to a fresh injury. India’s New Zealand tour is scheduled to open with five T20 internationals on October 22, 2026. The five ODIs are scheduled to begin November 4, followed by two Tests starting November 19. Bumrah could play in the third India A fixture against New Zealand A, a multiday match scheduled to begin November 6, as preparation for the senior Test series. That appearance, like his ODI omission, has not been confirmed. The team’s reported thinking also takes account of India’s later Test commitments, including a...