In what could be a massive boost to Indian cricket ahead of Asia Cup 2023 and the ODI World Cup at home later this year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is near complete match-fitness and could a comeback in the Ireland T20Is. While there were reports which suggested that Bumrah's comeback remains doubtful, Shah's statement to news agency ANI suggests that the right-arm pacer could well don the national colours in the series in August.
However, an official cofirmation on whether or not Bumrah will travel to Ireland will come when the selectors pick the squad for the three-match T20I series. The squad announcement is expected sometime later this week with the T20Is slated to be played on August 18, 20 and 23. It is pertinent to note that Bumrah hasn't played in any form of the game since September last year. There have been attempts to bring him back but each time he has complained of back pain leading to an extending time away from the game, a back surgery in New Zealand and rehabilation.
The Mumbai Indians pacer missed the entire 2023 season so far, after missing out on Asia Cup, T20 World Cup last year. He missed IPL 2023, the World Test Championship final but could be back in the scheme of things, if he proves his match fitness with the World Cup in little over two months time. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma too had provided an update on Bumrah's comeback recently.
"The amount of experience he (Bumrah) brings is very important. Right now he's coming from a serious injury and I've no idea if he'll travel to Ireland because the team hasn't been announced yet," he said ahead of the India vs West Indies ODI series opener.
"If he gets to play then it's good and we hope he plays before the World Cup. When a player returns from a serious injury, match fitness, match feeling are some key components, which are missing,” said Rohit at the press conference ahead of the 1st ODI," he added.