Glenn McGrath's 'No-Nonsense Verdict' On Jasprit Bumrah's India Comeback

Jasprit Bumrah underwent a successful surgery in New Zealand in March 2023 and spent over two months at Bengaluru's NCA before announcing his India comeback for IND vs IRE T20 series.

Jasprit Bumrah leaves the field after taking 6 wickets during ODI match between England and India at The Kia Oval in London, England.

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Team India's star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who hasn't played international cricket since September 2022, is all set to make his much-awaited comeback. One of the most lethal pacers in white-ball cricket, Bumrah will captain a Rohit-less second-string Indian team in the upcoming IND vs IRE three-match T20I series. The fit-again pacer is one of India's key players in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. As the 29-year-old gears up to get back to his best, former Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath, regarded as one of the best pace bowlers ever in international cricket, said he is optimistic about Bumrah making an instant impact for his team in his comeback season.

"It depends on how the injury is and the sort of expectations he has. I think he will be fine since he is a quality bowler. The layoff will help him, I think. Fast bowlers need that layoff and time to get the strength back in their bodies. It depends on the work he has done off the field, how his back is and if he has done anything to his action. I think he has been there before and he has achieved it," McGrath said in a media interaction on Monday in Chennai.

Earlier this year in March, Jasprit Bumrah underwent a successful surgery for his back issues in New Zealand and spent over two months at Bengaluru's National Cricket Academy (NCA) before announcing his India comeback for IND vs IRE T20 series. As per several media reports, the senior pacer played a few practice matches at the NCA ahead of his India return.

"I haven't seen him bowl. So, time will tell. Only he knows where he is now. So, I will be watching him keenly to see him get back to where he was. The effort and energy he puts in takes a toll on the body. If he has put enough work on the field, I can't see a reason why he cannot go back to being where he previously was," said McGrath.