India's star pacer Jasprit Bumrah is set to miss India's upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, with the selectors planning to rest him ahead of the Test assignment, NDTV reported.
The development comes as India look to manage Bumrah's workload, with the fast bowler's appearances being carefully monitored across formats.
In recent times, India's bowling attack has faced questions in Bumrah's absence.
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"Bumrah is completely fit, but for a long tour, it's important to prioritise. The Test series is very important, so there's no point making Bumrah slog it out in the ODIs and then suddenly shift focus to red-ball cricket," the report quoted a source as saying.
"The plan is not just for New Zealand, but discussions are also happening for the BGT next year. There is no point wasting Bumrah for inconsequential bilaterals. Right now, the WTC is the focus, and all energies will be directed at planning for that."
India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson on Wednesday acknowledged that there was no replacement for a bowler of Bumrah's quality, while adding that the team had enough talent to meet the challenge.
Speaking at the post-match press conference during the ongoing T20I series against the West Indies, Samson admitted that Bumrah's absence was significant.
However, he also expressed confidence in the talent available within the Indian squad.
"There is no replacement for Jasprit Bumrah. He is a once-in-a-generation kind of bowler, and we are very lucky to have him," Samson noted.
"But we have had some really good talent coming along also; Arshdeep (Singh) has been doing a great job, and also the way Prince Yadav has bowled in the last few games is very impressive. I feel we have some really good talent. The more we play them, the more we back them, the better they will become," Samson added after the 24-run loss in the fourth T20I at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Bumrah was rested for the T20I series against the West Indies after featuring in the Asian Games, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) continues to manage the workload of its premier fast bowler.
India's bowling has been tested on flat pitches during the ongoing series, highlighting the challenge of operating without the pace spearhead.
Speculation about Bumrah missing the ODI series against New Zealand has been circulating online for some time.
There have also been reports suggesting that India's ODI and Test captain, Shubman Gill, could miss the fourth and fifth ODIs of the tour to prepare for the red-ball format, with the Test series scheduled to begin on November 19.
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The BCCI is yet to announce the squads for the ODI and Test series.
India's tour of New Zealand will begin with a five-match T20I series on October 22. However, with the ODI World Cup scheduled for next year and a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at stake, the ODI and Test assignments will be particularly important.
The ODI series is scheduled to run from November 4 to 15, followed by the Test series, and continuing until early December. With the selectors reportedly planning to rest Bumrah during the ODIs, his availability for the Test series will be a key focus as India look to strengthen their campaign in the longest format.
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