Jasprit Bumrah To Skip Either Afghanistan Test Or ODI Series As BCCI Plans Workload Management | Reports

Jasprit Bumrah is likely to feature in either the Afghanistan Test or ODI series as the BCCI carefully monitors the star pacer’s workload after IPL 2026.

India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to play both the one-off Test and the ODI series against Afghanistan next month, as the BCCI continues to prioritize workload management for the fast bowler following a demanding IPL 2026 campaign.

According to a PTI report, the Indian team management is expected to use Bumrah selectively during the short home assignment against Afghanistan. The one-off Test is scheduled to begin on June 6 in New Chandigarh, while the three-match ODI series will commence later in the month.

BCCI Plans Split Workload For Bumrah

The report stated that Bumrah is expected to participate in either the standalone Test match or the ODI series, but not both. If the premier fast bowler is included for the red-ball fixture, he will be rested from the ODI leg. Similarly, if the selectors opt to use him in the 50-over series, he is likely to skip the Test match entirely.

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The one-off Test against Afghanistan, which falls outside the World Test Championship cycle, will be played from June 6 to June 10 in New Chandigarh. The ODI series will follow with matches scheduled in Dharamsala on June 14, Lucknow on June 17, and Chennai on June 20.

Despite enduring a heavy IPL workload, it appears unlikely that Bumrah will be rested for the entire Afghanistan assignment. However, with the pacer placing immense value on Test cricket, discussions remain around whether he needs to feature in a non-WTC Test fixture.

Siraj, Prasidh Likely To Lead Pace Attack

If Bumrah is unavailable for the Test, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are expected to shoulder the responsibility with the new ball for India.

The Indian pace attack is already dealing with injury concerns, with both Akash Deep and Harshit Rana reportedly sidelined. As a result, Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi has emerged as a potential reserve option after an outstanding domestic season.

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Nabi impressed heavily during the latest Ranji Trophy campaign, where he picked up 60 wickets and established himself as one of the standout performers in the domestic circuit.

Auqib Nabi Faces Competition For Spot

However, Auqib Nabi’s inclusion could depend largely on Bumrah’s availability and team balance. Reports suggest that his direct competition is likely to be pace-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.

If Bumrah features in the Test match, India may not include more than three frontline pacers considering spin-friendly home conditions. That scenario could force Nabi to wait longer for a national call-up.

Bumrah last played a Test series during India’s home defeat against South Africa last year. Despite India losing the two-match series 0-2, the star pacer delivered another impressive performance, claiming eight wickets at a remarkable economy rate of 2.38.