Will Jasprit Bumrah Play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy: India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will not feature in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) continues to prioritise workload management ahead of a demanding international calendar.
While the BCCI has directed all Indian players—including senior stars and former captains Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli—to play at least two matches in the premier domestic one-day tournament, Bumrah has been granted a special exemption.
Why Bumrah Has Been Rested
The decision has been taken keeping in mind Bumrah’s injury history and long-term fitness. The 32-year-old fast bowler underwent back surgery in New Zealand in 2023, and the Indian team management is unwilling to take any risks ahead of major international commitments.
“Bumrah will not feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy as he is taking rest,” Gujarat Cricket Association secretary Anil Patel confirmed from Ahmedabad.
Heavy International Calendar Ahead
India are set to enter a packed white-ball season, starting January 11, when they host New Zealand for an eight-match series — three ODIs followed by five T20Is from January 21.
Soon after, India will kick off their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign on February 7, facing the USA at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. With back-to-back series and a global tournament on the horizon, the management has opted for caution.
Bumrah’s Recent Workload
Bumrah has been on a demanding run over the past few months. He:
- Played in the Asia Cup (T20 format)
- Featured in four home Tests against West Indies and South Africa
- Toured Australia for a five-match T20I series
- Played a five-match home T20I series against South Africa
He was rested only during the ODI series against Australia (away) and South Africa (home).
In the recent T20I series against South Africa, Bumrah picked up four wickets in three matches, averaging 19.75, while maintaining an economy rate of 7.18, underlining his importance to India’s white-ball plans.
Gujarat and Saurashtra Still Packed with Stars
Despite Bumrah’s absence, Gujarat will not be short of international experience in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
- Axar Patel, who missed the final two T20Is against South Africa due to viral fever, is set to return for Gujarat.
- Gujarat will play their league matches in Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja will represent Saurashtra, featuring in their Vijay Hazare Trophy fixtures on January 6 and 8.
Bigger Picture for Team India
With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, the BCCI’s decision highlights a clear strategy: protect key players, avoid burnout, and ensure peak fitness for global tournaments. Bumrah’s absence from the Vijay Hazare Trophy may disappoint fans, but it could prove crucial for India’s success on the world stage.
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