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When Jasprit Bumrah walks out to bowl during the ODI series against England, it will be much more than just the return of India’s most lethal fast bowler. It will also mark India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, and the first time the 34-year-old has appeared in the shortest format since the painful loss to Australia in the 2023 World Cup final.

Jasprit Bumrah hasn’t played a single ODI in the 26 matches India has played since that fateful day in Ahmedabad – as injuries, workloads, and a packed schedule took their toll on the pace spearhead. Now, with the next ODI World Cup – and revenge against Australia – coming in 15 months, it was no surprise to see Bumrah make his comeback to the format as Mohammed Siraj was rested for this tour, and Rana is currently injury-bound. Jasprit Bumrah might be back in the team’s ODI plans, but the man himself has not changed.

However, he has returned to a side that has changed considerably in his absence.

A shocking series defeat in Sri Lanka with Jasprit Bumrah’s absence

One of the biggest collapses in the period of Bumrah’s absence was in Gautam Gambhir’s debut as India’s ODI captain.
India were on a superb run in the ODI bilateral series in Sri Lanka this century, having not lost a single match on these shores.
They arrived in Colombo for the 2024 three-match series, having drawn the opener, and the hosts took advantage of India’s spin woes to win the next two matches and the series.

It was the first time since 1997 that India had failed to win a bilateral ODI series in Sri Lanka, a run of 27 years.

Champions Trophy glory without Jasprit Bumrah

Although Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the 2025 Champions Trophy due to a lower back injury he sustained while playing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, India was able to retain the Champions Trophy in the UAE.

Jasprit Bumrah was initially named in the provisional squad, but was unable to recover from his injury. His place was taken by Harshit Rana. India took advantage of the change, as Mohammed Shami provided the strike. Hardik Pandya was the second seam, and India’s spin attack was outstanding as they posted a record third consecutive Champions Trophy victory.

Shubman Gill has taken over as captain

However, the biggest change was actually off-field, as Rohit Sharma was dethroned as ODI captain. Sharma put in an incredible shift, leading India to Champions Trophy glory, but the role was passed down to Shubman Gill. Gill not only takes charge of the T20s, but also the tests, due to Sharma announcing his retirement from test cricket before the 2025 Ashes.
Gill’s captaincy record is only just getting started, and it’s not been the easiest of starts, with India losing the series against Australia and New Zealand. With Bumrah’s return, the new captain has had his most reliable weapon returned to his disposal, as Gill looks to turn things around in the World Cup.

Virat Kohli’s record continues to skyrocket

When Jasprit Bumrah was last on the field in the ODIs, Virat Kohli had just equaled Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 centuries in the ODIs during the 2023 World Cup.

Since then, Kohli has absolutely exploded. He currently has 54 centuries in the ODI, due to his hundred against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, plus another three against South Africa and New Zealand during the home series.

Home advantage takes a hit

India’s outstanding record in home ODIs was also impacted by Bumrah’s injury as they lost the 2023 home series to Australia while he was recovering from injury. The off-spinner was once again rested for the second test series against New Zealand in January 2026, which New Zealand won 2-1. Having taken a 1-0 lead in the series, India was unable to finish it off and went on to lose the series, their first-ever home ODI series defeat in almost three years.

The loss was symbolic of a team that had just enjoyed a period where they had won three consecutive home ODI series while also reaching the 2023 World Cup final after losing just three of their previous 21 home ODIs.
Bumrah’s return to action could well decide India’s fortunes at the upcoming World Cup, as for them, the series against England is more than just another set of matches.

It is the start of a 15-month-long campaign building up to the 2027 ODI World Cup, and it is expected that once again, Bumrah will be the spearhead of the bowling attack. Much has changed since Bumrah was forced out of action and made his return as his new captain has already led the team to win another ICC trophy, set world records, and overcome various challenges, including injuries to some key players.

As he returns to the ODI format, attention will turn to what Bumrah can do to help the team reach the pinnacle of success.