India's ODI series defeat against New Zealand has raised critical questions on India's bowling unit after it failed to stop New Zealand from overpowering India throughout the series. Following India's lackluster show, India's pace ace Jasprit Bumrah's absence was missed sharply. Bumrah, who had been left out of the ODI squad as part of a planned workload management, last featured for India in ODIs in the 2023 World Cup final in November. Meanwhile, former India opener Aakash Chopra, weighing in on the issue, stressed that the team can no longer rely on Bumrah’s return as a short-term solution. Chopra emphasised the need for India to develop a clear plan and identify bowlers who can perform up to the expectations in Bumrah’s absence.

"India's ODI bowling is a concern, right? Because I feel they are struggling. If you look at the last few games, if the pitch is flat or there is a big partnership, India struggle to break that partnership. Even if the new-ball bowlers get wickets, what after that? India tried combinations of pace, spin and extra seam-bowling. Oppositions and grounds have changed, but the condition remains the game. Whether it was against South Africa in the first two ODIs or if we see all three games against New Zealand, I think we need to find a way to address it," Chopra said in a video on X.

Chopra further stressed that India must address bowling concerns and build a bowling attack that can perform strongly even without Bumrah.

"Jasprit Bumrah's absence will be felt, and it is believed things will be better when he returns. But every problem can't be solved by Bumrah. He doesn't often bowl in the middle overs. I think we need to address it, whether it's Varun Chakarvarthy or any other leg-spinner. Once, the combination of 'Kulcha' was there and they used to take wickets in clumps in middle overs. That partnership broke. I get there is no ODI for six more months and the World Cup is also 18 months away but India's bowling is a bit of a concern, especially in the middle overs," he stated.