Former Indian bowler suggests selectors rest Jasprit Bumrah and consider Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar for upcoming matches.

As India prepares for its two-Test series against Sri Lanka, commencing on August 15, the absence of star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah due to a knee injury has raised concerns about the team's bowling lineup. In light of this setback, former Indian cricketer Karsan Ghavri has advocated for the inclusion of seasoned pacers Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the squad.

Ghavri emphasized that relying solely on Bumrah is not a sustainable strategy for the national team. He pointed out that both Shami and Bhuvneshwar have demonstrated their capabilities and fitness levels in recent domestic and franchise cricket. Shami had a standout performance in the Ranji Trophy last season, where he took 37 wickets, while Bhuvneshwar played a crucial role in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's successful IPL 2026 campaign, claiming 28 wickets.

In an interview with Mid-Day, Ghavri expressed his belief that the selectors should consider bringing back both bowlers into the national setup. "Shami and Bhuvi have been playing consistently in the IPL without injuries and should return to the national set-up. Selectors should consider them," he stated. He also highlighted the ongoing injury issues that Bumrah has faced over the past few years, noting that he has rarely completed an entire series, which raises concerns for both the player and the team.

Ghavri further suggested that Bumrah should take an extended break to ensure a full recovery rather than rushing back into action. "Bumrah should take a break for five to six months or even a year, and get back to 100 percent fitness. The issue is that he goes into tournaments even if he's half-fit, and then, due to workload management, he breaks down halfway through. This is unnecessary," he explained.

Ghavri proposed a strategic approach to managing Bumrah's workload, recommending that he primarily focus on Test cricket while sharing responsibilities with Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Bhuvneshwar. "I don't think Bumrah can sustain playing all formats. The team management must consider playing him only in Tests as that's a critical format," he advised. He acknowledged Bumrah's desire to participate in various formats but stressed that it may not be feasible given his injury history.

In conclusion, Ghavri believes that incorporating experienced bowlers like Shami and Bhuvneshwar into the mix will not only bolster the team's performance but also alleviate the pressure on Bumrah, allowing him to return to peak fitness without the risk of further injury.