The hopes of the Indian fans and team’s wish of seeing Jasprit Bumrah take the field in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy have been dashed out completely after the pacer was ruled out of the remainder of the series as the BCCI and the team management do not want to rush him back.
Bumrah was not named in the squad for the first two Tests against Australia in the series which kick started on February 9, but the management had hoped for the pacer to be completely fit in time for the last two Tests.
However, with the ODI World Cup in mind, the 28-year-old will not be risked and pushed for an early comeback to the Test fold.
Jasprit Bumrah will not join the squad for the final two matches of Test series
He is currently at the NCA where he’s been rehabilitating for the past few months, following his back injury. He was set to return to white-ball cricket in January, but a glute injury derailed that return and was withdrawn.
India are unlikely to face any problems in the pace department in the Test series given they have Siraj, Shami, Umesh and Unadkat. But it the ODI team that they want Bumrah to be fit for.
“Bumrah’s return to the set-up is not straightforward. The lanky quick will undergo a fitness test next week to determine his levels. Fortunately, the pacer has not complained of any stiffness, hinting at him getting closer to 100%,” said a report in InsideSport.
When will Jasprit Bumrah return?
If Jasprit Bumrah passes the fitness tests, he could return to face Australia in the ODI series, starting March 17.
Following the 4-Test series, India and Australia will contest in 3 ODIs. If not in the ODIs, then Jasprit Bumrah will make his return to action during the IPL 2023 for the Mumbai Indians.
The BCCI are yet to announce the squads for the 3rd and 4th Tests of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Chairman of Selectors Chetan Sharma is expected to reveal the same alongside the ODI squad in the coming weeks.
