In a rare communication for the fans about the injury status of its players, the BCCI made a release on Friday, revealing that Jasprit Bumrah is close to completing his rehab while Rishabh Pant has made “significant progress” and the left-hander has even begun batting!!
These news came as a massive boost for Team India, whose next major assignment is the Asia Cup 2023 in August-September, which will serve as a preparatory tournament for the World Cup 2023 later in the year at home in October-November.
In all, the BCCI gave update on the injury and recovery status of 5 India players:
Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna
Bumrah last played in September last year and has been laid low due to his back injury for which he had surgery earlier this year.
Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna, who was in India’s ODI plans but was sidelined due to a lumbar stress fracture that required surgery, missed the entire IPL 2023 for Rajasthan Royals.
The Board For Control of Cricket in India said both Bumrah and Krishna are “are bowling with full intensity in the nets”. Both the players will be playing in practice games organised at the NCA before getting green light to return to international cricket.
If things go as expected, Bumrah is likely to return for next month’s Ireland series ahead of the Asia Cup 2023.
The BCCI said: “Mr Jasprit Bumrah and Mr Prasidh Krishna: The two fast bowlers are in the final stages of their rehab and are bowling with full intensity in the nets. The duo will now play some practice games, which the NCA will organise. The BCCI Medical Team is pleased with their progress and will make a final decision after assessing them following the practice games.”
KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer
KL Rahul is recovering from a thigh injury he sustained during the IPL 2023 while Shreyas Iyer is recovering from a back injury that had ruled him out of the IPL. Both underwent surgery for their respective injuries. Both of them have started batting in the nets, which is a good news for the team as both the right-handed batters are crucial cogs in the ODI side.
The Indian Cricket Board stated: “Mr KL Rahul and Mr Shreyas Iyer: They have resumed batting in the nets and are currently undergoing strength and fitness drills. The BCCI Medical Team is satisfied with their progress and will increase their intensity in terms of both skills and strength and conditioning in the coming days.”
Rishabh Pant
The news of Rishabh Pant not only getting speedily fitter but having started some light batting, wicket-keeping and running has brought great happiness to the fans.
“Mr Rishabh Pant: He has made significant progress in his rehabilitation and has commenced batting as well as keeping in the nets. He is currently following a fitness programme designed for him which includes strength, flexibility and running,” the board added.
