Ravi Shastri Backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami for India Recalls, Urges Jasprit Bumrah Workload Management Before 2027 World Cup

Shastri Welcomes Return of Experience Ahead of Demanding New Zealand Tour

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has thrown his weight behind the recalls of two of India's most experienced seamers, welcoming Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to the T20I squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour while insisting that Mohammed Shami has done enough to earn a place back in both the ODI and Test sides.

India begin a punishing six-week assignment in New Zealand on October 22, featuring five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests — a schedule Shastri believes will test the depth of the squad across formats.

"There is no substitute for experience," Shastri told the Times of India. "When you have a bowler of Bhuvneshwar's quality and experience, it's a no-brainer. With the form he showed in the IPL and his years with India, he'll be ideal for New Zealand conditions."

Shastri was just as emphatic about Shami's case for a comeback to the longer formats. "He's done enough with both red and white balls to be recalled to the Test and ODI sides," he said.

Bumrah Must Be Preserved, Says Shastri

While championing the return of seasoned campaigners, Shastri stressed that India must carefully manage Jasprit Bumrah's workload as the team builds towards the 2027 ODI World Cup.

"I don't think he should play all three formats until the World Cup," Shastri said. "He should focus primarily on Test cricket and feature sporadically in ODIs and T20Is. I'd rather preserve him for the two Tests in New Zealand, where he'll be crucial."

The comments come amid existing sensitivity around Bumrah's red-ball planning, with the team management having previously indicated a desire to build his workload ahead of the series opener. Prior reporting on September 30 noted that conversations had begun about whether Bumrah would play a domestic fixture or an India A appearance to gain red-ball volume before the Tests. The first Test in New Zealand is expected to begin in mid-November.

New Zealand Conditions a Benchmark — and a Warning

Shastri believes the tour could serve as a significant marker for Indian cricket, particularly with South Africa set to host the 2027 ODI World Cup.

"The entire tour is important. It will give a clear indication of where Indian cricket is heading. Conditions there could also mirror some of what India might face in South Africa during the World Cup," he said.

He expects the batting unit to face a stern examination. "New Zealand will be coming out of winter, so the pitches should be fresh and conducive to seam and swing. The ball will move in the air and off the surface, and the wind can make things even tougher. India will have to adapt quickly."

According to Shastri, partnerships will be vital because wickets can tumble in clusters in such conditions.

WTC Qualification an 'Uphill Task'

India's hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final remain a steep challenge in Shastri's assessment.

"For India, qualifying for the final is an uphill task. They probably need to win around 90 per cent of their remaining games, including both Tests in New Zealand and at least four of the five against Australia. It's not impossible, but a lot depends on other results as well," he said.

Backing for Gill and a Simple Message for Pant

Test captain Shubman Gill faces a significant leadership test in New Zealand, though Shastri backed the No. 4 batter to cope.

"It's a massive challenge for a young captain, but Gill is in prime form and has always done well in New Zealand. He knows the conditions," Shastri said.

On Rishabh Pant, his advice remains unchanged. "I've never told Pant anything other than this: be smart. He has immense ability and shouldn't change his natural game. Just remain aware of the match situation."

Fielding the Biggest Worry

For all the discussion around batting and bowling, Shastri identified fielding as India's most pressing concern.

"The biggest improvement I want to see is in fielding. It has dipped alarmingly. To win major tournaments, the standards have to be much higher. Consistency in batting and bowling is important, but fielding is the area that worries me the most," he said.

India's tour of New Zealand will be broadcast live and exclusively on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV, starting October 22.