Bengaluru: According to media reports, Jasprit Bumrah, the influential pace bowler who has the potential to shape Team India’s campaign in the upcoming 50-over World Cup, is on the verge of regaining full fitness. Bumrah is expected to join the Indian white-ball team for the T20Is in Ireland next month. Currently training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, Bumrah has been steadily increasing his workload and showcasing positive signs of progress. On the other side, Shreyas Iyer has also resumed batting after an injury layoff.
Bumrah underwent back surgery in March and began bowling again last month after a successful rehabilitation period at the NCA (National Cricket Academy). Under the watchful eyes of the BCCI’s head of cricket, VVS Laxman, Bumrah has been gradually increasing his intensity at the nets, bowling around 8–10 overs in each session.
Initially, the selectors and team management were eyeing Bumrah’s inclusion for the Asia Cup in September. However, his recent progress suggests that he could potentially travel to Ireland next month as part of a second-string Indian team. A decision on his participation in the tour is expected to be made in the coming days.
Given his long absence from competitive cricket since September last year and the nature of his injury, Bumrah is being handled with extra care. However, reports from his training sessions indicate that he is not experiencing any discomfort and is training diligently on a daily basis. There are even indications that Bumrah might participate in a few practise matches at the NCA, where training camps are currently underway.
Meanwhile, Prasidh Krishna, who underwent surgery for a lumbar stress fracture, is also on the road to recovery and has resumed bowling. The 27-year-old, like Bumrah, missed the IPL due to injury and last played a competitive match in August 2022 in Zimbabwe. Since then, he has been battling a stress fracture that required surgery. Although there were concerns about his availability for the World Cup, Prasidh has now returned to regular bowling sessions. While he may not feature on the Ireland tour next month, he is in contention for the Asia Cup, which could further strengthen India’s prospects.
Prasidh Krishna has made a significant impact for the Indian team, particularly in the middle overs, with his pace. As opposition teams target the second powerplay, his addition to the squad would provide a definite boost to India and potentially alter their playing combination at the World Cup. Known for his ability to deliver skiddy deliveries and generate awkward bounce due to his action, Prasidh has proven difficult to score off in the middle overs.
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