Ace India pacer Jasprit Bumrah is on the edge of regaining his full-fitness and is most likely to make his highly-anticipated comeback to action next month during the tour of Ireland.
According to an Indian Express report, Bumrah, who underwent a back surgery in March and had resumed bowling last month after successfully undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, has been gradually increasing his workload and is continuing his rehab programme under the watchful eyes of NCA chief VVS Laxman. The report claimed that Bumrah is bowling full throttle at the nets, where he is bowling 8-10 overs.
Although the selectors and the team management were likely to include Bumrah for the upcoming Asia Cup in September, the progression he has made in the last two weeks means he could join Team India for Ireland tour next month.
As of now, a final call on his travel would be taken in the coming days.
The report further said that Bumrah is being handled with extra care given the nature of injury he suffered and has missed the competitive cricket since September 2022.
“….Bumrah isn’t showing any discomfort at the nets, where he is training on a daily basis. There are indications that Bumrah could even play a few practice matches at the NCA, where camps are underway,” the report added.
The development comes as a massive boost for Team India ahead of major ICC events such as the Asia Cup 2023 and the ICC ODI World Cup 2024, scheduled to be held in India in the months of October and November this year.
Meanwhile, another Indian pacer Prasidh Krishna, who underwent surgery for a lumbar stress fracture, is also recovering well and has resumed bowling. Krishna, 27, was forced to miss the IPL 2023 with injury and last featured in a competitive match in August 2022 in Zimbabwe.
Despite the development, Prasidh is uncertain for Ireland tour however, he would be in line to feature in the Asia Cup, which could boost India further.
On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer, who also underwent surgery for a recurring back injury has also resumed batting after completing his rehab could travel to Ireland if he attains complete fitness.