Following India’s victory in the T20 World Cup, the national selectors and team management are now focusing on preparations for the World Test Championship and the 2027 ODI World Cup. A key concern is managing the workload of leading fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, whose distinctive bowling style places significant strain on his body at age 32. According to sources, the Board of Control for Cricket in India aims for Bumrah to feature in all nine upcoming WTC matches. India will face Afghanistan in a single Test starting June 6 in Chandigarh, though this game is not part of the WTC. Later this year, the team is scheduled for two Tests in Sri Lanka and two in New Zealand, followed by a five-Test series against Australia at home beginning in January. Revitalizing India’s position in the current WTC standings, where they sit sixth, is the main goal, even amid discussions about the ODI event. Efforts will prioritize keeping Bumrah healthy for every Test, including the away series in Sri Lanka and New Zealand, while ensuring he remains ready for the home matches against Australia. Selectors are open to resting him from certain ODI commitments. Bumrah returned to T20 internationals last September after a two-year absence and performed strongly. In the previous year, he participated in three of five Tests in England but is now expected to play whenever medically cleared. He appeared in all four subsequent home Tests and will likely see limited T20I action, with the next major tournament in that format two years away. Bumrah’s role is vital for success on home pitches to reach the WTC final, especially after recent failures under head coach Gautam Gambhir, including home series losses to New Zealand and South Africa. Selectors emphasize that primary Test players must be available when fit. Decisions on the Afghanistan Test will follow the IPL, based on workload evaluations. The approach stresses commitment to Test cricket, viewing the Afghanistan match as valuable preparation despite its non-WTC status. Top players’ involvement will be reviewed accordingly. After last season’s defeat to South Africa, captain Shubman Gill has called for more transition time from other formats to ready for key Test events. In India’s 2018 Test against Afghanistan, most leading players participated except Virat Kohli due to injury. Sources indicate that Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, and Ruturaj Gaikwad are viewed as potential middle-order options. Jurel could serve solely as a batsman, Padikkal might compete for the number three spot against Sai Sudharsan, and Gaikwad is considered effective against spin on domestic surfaces.
