Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been one of the most consistent performers for the national side since his debut in 2016. For the past decade, the right-arm seamer has played a key role in India’s wins both at home and away. 

Bumrah has also faced many injury issues, one of which happened during the tour of England, after which he missed the Lankan tour. To keep the fast bowler in shape, theIndian board has given him breaks to manage his workload. 

Sanjay Bangar, who was the batting coach when the fast bowler from Gujarat made his debut, has lauded the BCCI and selectors for managing the cricketer’s workload well. 

In his chat with Hindustan Times, the 54-year-old said, “Jasprit’s workload has been managed really well heading into the New Zealand series. This is a key series for India if they have to qualify for the WTC final. You would expect the Indians to do well against Australia at home, but if the team doesn’t do well in NZ, then their chances of qualifying are all but over.”

Shubman Gill's side had started the current cycle with a 2-2 draw against in England in 2022. They then won the series at home against West Indies, which was followed by the 0-2 loss at home against South Africans. That was, incidentally, the last Test series Bumrah was part of. 

Speaking about India’s record in New Zealand conditions, Bangar said, “India has done well in England, Australia, and South Africa, but it is only New Zealand, which they haven’t been able to do well. This might act as a huge motivation for the players."

Sanjay Bangar sheds light on Indian bowling

Apart from Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, who didn’t have a great tour of Sri Lanka, will also head to New Zealand. Selectors are also waiting to gauge the fitness of Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana before announcing the squad. According to Sanjay Bangar, the supporting pacers will be key if India has to win the series, but that could also make the batting a bit weaker. 

“Support bowlers will be the key. In case Krishna and Akash play, then the batting becomes a bit weak. I think if these four pacers play, then they have all the resources to bowl out New Zealand twice. The depth in bowling is there, but it depends on the fitness of the players.”