Jasprit Bumrah Attends Nets Session Amid Vijay Hazare Trophy as Workload Monitored
Jasprit Bumrah bowls at nets during the Vijay Hazare Trophy as India carefully manages his workload ahead of key T20 assignments.
Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah made a surprise appearance at the nets on December 29, 2025, during the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 season, signaling his ongoing preparation for the upcoming T20 International commitments. The session took place at the Gujarat College Ground in Ahmedabad, where Tamil Nadu was facing Karnataka in a group match. According to reports from Sportstar, Bumrah began with a light warm-up before progressing to bowling with a short run-up and gradually returning to his trademark smooth action, though he did not bowl at full intensity. This controlled outing comes amid growing focus on his fitness and workload management ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Bumrah has been named in India's squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, starting January 11, 2026, which will serve as crucial preparation for the global event co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February-March. He is, however, expected to be rested for the preceding three-match ODI series against the same opponents to manage his workload and ensure peak fitness for the shortest format. The right-arm pacer's presence in the T20I squad is seen as a major boost, given his proven ability to dominate in the death overs and restrict scoring rates. His recent history of injury setbacks has made team management cautious, prioritizing gradual buildup over rushing him back into red-ball or 50-over cricket.
Bumrah's T20I record remains exceptional, with 103 wickets in 83 matches at an average of 18.17 and an economy rate of 6.39, making him one of the most effective bowlers in the format. He was the standout performer and Player of the Tournament at the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, where he claimed 15 wickets in eight matches to help India lift the title. His ability to swing the new ball, deliver lethal yorkers, and exploit variations has consistently made him a game-changer, often reducing contests to 16-over affairs for the opposition. The Nets session underscores his proactive approach to regaining full rhythm ahead of what is expected to be a high-pressure campaign.
Also Read: India Name T20 World Cup 2026 Squad as Selectors Signal Tough Decisions
Beyond T20s, Bumrah's overall international credentials continue to impress. In Tests, he has taken 234 wickets in 52 matches at an average of 19.79, including 16 five-wicket hauls, many against top teams like Australia, England, and South Africa. In ODIs, he has 149 wickets in 89 games at an average of 23.55 and an economy of 4.59, playing a key role in India's run to the 2023 World Cup final with 20 wickets in the tournament. As the T20 World Cup approaches, his fitness will remain a central talking point, with the team management aiming to have him at his explosive best for the marquee event.
The surprise net appearance has been welcomed by fans and experts alike, as it demonstrates Bumrah's dedication to maintaining sharpness despite the selective scheduling. With the domestic season providing the perfect low-pressure environment for such sessions, the pacer appears on track to lead India's attack in the upcoming T20Is and the World Cup. As preparations intensify, all eyes will be on his progress and how effectively India can balance his workload to ensure he remains the X-factor bowler the team relies on in crucial moments.
Also Read: Ishan Kishan Hits 101 in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Reflects on Being Dropped by India
