Team India's premier speedster Jasprit Bumrah, who has been out of action for the last five months due to his troublesome back, will reportedly fly to New Zealand's Auckland to undergo surgery, Cricbuzz reported. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team and the National Cricket Academy (NCA) are reportedly in touch with a Kiwi surgeon, named Rowan Schouten, for Bumrah's back injury.
The surgeon has previously worked with England star Jofra Archer. As per several media reports, Bumrah is expected to return to action during September 2023.
Bumrah's injury saga started with him getting ruled out of the Asia Cup in September last year. After being initially named in India's T20 World Cup, later, he was ruled out of the mega ICC event as well. The last match Bumrah played for India was on 25 September in Hyderabad, against Australia.
The back injury has forced Bumrah not just the IPL, but also the World Test Championship final, set to start on June 7, 2023 at The Oval, where Rohit Sharma-led India is most likely to qualify.
Indian team management does not want to take any risk or rush things regarding Bumrah's back treatment. According to reports, BCCI have set a target of getting Bumrah fit for the ODI World Cup 2023, set to be hosted by India, in India, in the October-November window.
If Bumrah fails to recover in time for ODI World Cup, it will be a massive blow to India's chances of lifting the coveted trophy at home.
Indian fanbase all over the world is praying for Bumrah's good health, a quick recovery.
The news of Bumrah's unavailability for IPL 2023 came in as a shocker for Mumbai Indians. However, in some great relief to the five-time IPL winners, star pacer Jofra Archer, whom they had signed for INR 8 crore in last year's auction, fully aware that he won't play that season, will play the entire IPL tournament this year.