India tour of Ireland: Fingers crossed that Jasprit Bumrah doesn't get injured again, says Harbhajan Singh
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Big Boost for India! Jasprit Bumrah to make comeback ahead of Asia Cup 2023: In a major development and encouragement for the Indian team, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is reportedly very close to regaining full fitness at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Bumrah is set to return to the Indian team ahead of the Asia Cup 2023, which will be held in Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

As per the report published in the Indian Express, Jasprit Bumrah is actively bowling at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and his workload is being gradually increased by the team aiding the pacer in his rehabilitation. The report stated that Bumrah is bowling 8-10 overs per day without any signs of discomfort in his back.

Notably, Jasprit Bumrah underwent major back surgery earlier this year in New Zealand, which was successful. He then returned to the NCA for further rehabilitation under the watchful eyes of VVS Laxman, who was shown extra care to Bumrah.

The 29-year-old pacer last featured in an international fixture in September 2022 against Australia and since then he has been out mending his body. He was pulled back from the subsequent series’ due to persistent issues in the back, which ultimately required surgery.

Jasprit Bumrah back to Indian team ahead of Asia Cup 2023

Interestingly, the initial roadmap for Jasprit Bumrah’s comeback to the Indian team was during the Asia Cup 2023, which would give him all the opportunities to get ample game time ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. However, his encouraging recovery signs now suggest that he could be a member of the Indian second-string squad touring Ireland for three-game T20I series in August.

Bumrah’s absence has been felt by the Indian team even in this short period of time. India missed their pace spearhead during the ICC T20 World Cup 2022. Meanwhile, his presence in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 could have made a large difference for India.

Nevertheless, it’s all part and parcel of the game. The seasoned pacer is now close to regaining match fitness post which he is scheduled to play a couple of practice matches at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). It’s imperative to get a thorough idea of how Bumrah’s back behaves in an actual match before the BCCI puts him back on the national selection radar.

The same report in the Indian Express also touched on the recoveries of Prasidh Krishna and Shreyas Iyer, who are also at the NCA nursing their respective injuries. While Krishna is expected to make his comeback in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, Shreyas Iyer is racing against time to be fit for the marquee ICC ODI World Cup 2023.

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For more details head to ICC’s official website.