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Jasprit Bumrah’s return to competitive cricket could take longer than expected. According to Times of India, the ace fast bowler, who has been sidelined due to a lower back injury and missed the ongoing Champions Trophy, is likely to miss the first week or two of the IPL. Bumrah is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI‘s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
While his medical reports are reportedly fine and he has resumed bowling at the CoE, it’s unlikely that he will be ready for the start of the IPL. As per the current status, the first week of April seems like a more realistic date for Bumrah to return to high-intensity cricket.
In this scenario, Bumrah is expected to miss the first three or four matches for Mumbai Indians. Sources indicate that he has not yet started bowling at full intensity. “It’s standard operating procedure. The medical team will gradually build up his workload and intensity. Unless he is able to bowl full tilt without any discomfort for some days, the medical team is unlikely to clear him,” a BCCI source revealed. Incidentally, Lucknow Super Giants pacer Mayank Yadav is also expected to join the IPL in April, further highlighting the delayed returns of key pacers.
India’s plans for the upcoming tour of England, however, present a more pressing challenge. With a tough five-Test series lined up immediately after the IPL, Bumrah’s fitness will be crucial. The target is to have him fit for as many Tests as possible in England. Given the uncertainty surrounding Rohit Sharma’s continuation as Test captain, Bumrah is seen as the frontrunner to lead the side, should selectors decide against appointing a younger captain, particularly in light of the pacer’s fitness concerns.
It is understood that, given Bumrah and Mohammed Shami’s injury-prone history, selectors are hesitant to base their entire strategy for the England tour on these two pacers. “How Shami and Bumrah endure the long IPL will be important. Shami is under constant watch. If the selectors get both of them together for two or three Tests, it will be the ideal situation,” sources said. The team management will also be cautious of overburdening them. “Nobody wants either of them breaking down in the middle of a Test, like it happened with Bumrah in Sydney. Too much depended on Bumrah alone in Australia,” the sources added.
With Bumrah and Shami’s fitness uncertain, other pacers will need to prove their worth. Mohammed Siraj is almost certain to retain his place in the Test side. However, newcomers such as Harshit Rana, Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar, and Arshdeep Singh will all be vying for a spot. The India ‘A’ tour, which precedes the England Tests, will be a key opportunity for these pacers to showcase their skills and impress the selectors.
In the midst of these challenges, Bumrah’s rehabilitation and his return to full fitness remain pivotal, not just for India’s success in the England series but also for his potential role as Test captain if the selectors opt for a change.
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Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
