Team India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will not play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 as the team is managing his workload carefully. According to Times of India, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is not taking any risks with their premium fast bowler ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has asked Indian players to play at least two matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Following the directive, senior stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma returned to the domestic tournament which began on December 24. They were included in Delhi and Mumbai teams respectively.
Official Confirmation: Why is Bumrah out of Vijay Hazare Trophy?
Along with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, players like Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, Sanju Samson and Arshdeep Singh are also set to play at least two matches as part of the domestic one-day competition.
However, Jasprit Bumrah will not participate in the tournament for Gujarat. Gujarat Cricket Association confirmed that Bumrah has been rested and will not take part in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
“Bumrah will not be attending VHT as he is taking rest,” The Times of India quoted GCA secretary Anil Patel as saying on Tuesday.
Jasprit Bumrah withdraws his name from Vijay Hazare Trophy due to BCCI taking charge
Fans are happy with the return of senior Indian players to domestic cricket. However, Jasprit Bumrah did not feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy as BCCI’s workload management continues.
Bumrah’s absence from domestic cricket has also raised questions over his availability for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. He recently played in the T20 series against South Africa but could not play in the three-match ODI series.
Since India has not yet announced its ODI squad for New Zealand, he may miss another ODI series for India. Meanwhile, the visiting team has selected a second-row squad led by Michael Bracewell for the ODI series. Many of New Zealand’s senior players are unavailable due to T20 franchise commitments.
New Zealand Cricket has allowed those players to skip ODIs as part of long-term planning for the T20 World Cup 2026. India can rest Bumrah and avoid taking any risks with their premier fast bowler.
Jasprit Bumrah is ready to make a comeback during the New Zealand T20I series
It is believed that Jasprit Bumrah will not remain out of the field for long. He is likely to be selected for India during the five-match T20 series against New Zealand in late January. The series is scheduled to take place from January 21 to 31 across multiple Indian venues.
Notably, Bumrah will maintain his match fitness by keeping a close watch on his workload. After the T20I series, he will have ample recovery time before India’s next major assignment.
As one of the co-hosts of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, India will begin their campaign against the United States at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 7. India’s approach focuses on careful rotation rather than rushing its main fast bowlers.
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