Jasprit Bumrah on path to recovery, no timeline yet on comeback

Jasprit Bumrah

Ahead of ODI World Cup 2023, the question of Japrit Bumrah's return to the Indian team has been a major talking point. Neither the injured pacer nor the ones working on him can confirm when Bumrah will be fit to join the squad.

However, in a positive news for cricket fans, Bumrah has bowled seven overs in a day at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) nets.

The schedule for the mega event was released in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Also Read: ODI World Cup 2023 Schedule: Dates and venues announced; Ahmedabad to host final

Bumrah had undergone surgery for a recurring back niggle in New Zealand in March and since then he has been on the recovery path.

Bumrah last played for India during the home T20Is against Australia in September, 2022.

So, will he be able to make a comeback during the T20I series against Ireland or in the Asia Cup?

"For an injury of this nature, it is not wise to set any timeline as constant monitoring is necessary. But it can be said that Bumrah is recovering well and he has bowled seven overs at NCA nets. It is a steady increase in his workload from the light workouts and bowling sessions of the initial period.

"He will play a few practice matches (at NCA) next month, and there will be a close assessment of his fitness then," a source tracking the development told PTI.

Ramji Srinivasan, former strength and conditioning coach of Team India, said extreme care should be taken while bringing back Bumrah.

"He should not be hurried. Playing practice matches at the NCA is a good step as it will help tune his body to the demands of a match. But he should be made to play in some actual (domestic) matches before bringing him to top level cricket.

"The demands of international cricket are different and the body should be absolutely ready to take that amount of workload. Recovering from stress fracture is a delicate exercise and Bumrah should be allowed maximum recovery time," Ramji told PTI.

KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, who have also been recuperating at NCA, are also progressing as expected, though no specific timeline has been set for their return as well.

Rahul had undergone a thigh surgery in London while Shreyas too had a surgery in London after being troubled by a bulging disc on his lower back.

(With PTI inputs)