Bumrah should not play all formats until the World Cup, workload debate surfaces in cricket discussion

India's star pacer Jasprit Bumrah should not be played in all formats until the World Cup — that view has surfaced in cricket discussion. The argument is in favour of protecting him from the strain of playing regularly across Tests, ODIs and T20Is, and keeping him fresh for the World Cup.

Bumrah is the main weapon of India's pace attack, and his presence at major tournaments is a large part of the team's strength. That is precisely why careful planning around him ahead of a World Cup keeps coming up in discussion.

Playing continuously across all three formats puts the greatest physical strain on a fast bowler. That strain raises the risk of injury — and an injury to the lead bowler just before an event like the World Cup is a major blow for any team.

It is in that context that the view has been expressed that, in the period up to the World Cup, Bumrah should be played selectively, not in every series and every format. Keeping him ready and fit for the big matches should be at the centre of the planning.

India face a packed schedule of international cricket ahead. There is interest in cricket circles in how the team management handles Bumrah's workload within that schedule.

In the end, the decision rests with the Indian team management. But the view raised in discussion has made one thing clear — with the World Cup in mind, protecting Bumrah's fitness is now seen by many as the biggest priority.