India’s premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah‘s recovery and availability for the Indian team is the most important concern of the Indian selectors and fans across the world. Although Bumrah underwent surgery in New Zealand, his fitness details are still kept secret from the world and even selectors.
According to a report by The Indian Express, the details of Bumrah’s recovery process are only known to India’s former legendary batter and National Cricket Academy (NCA) chief VVS Laxman. Notably, the 29-year-old Indian pacer sustained a back injury in September last year and was being treated at the NCA headquarters in Bengaluru. Bumrah ever since didn’t feature in any of the international matches.
All set to make a comeback in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 for Mumbai Indians (MI), Bumrah had to pull out of the marquee event just before its commencement as a precautionary measure to not worsen his injury any further. Later, the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) made all the arrangements to get him treated in New Zealand, where he underwent surgery. Following the operation, BCCI has directed Laxman to look after Bumrah and check upon the Gujarat cricketer’s recovery.
“Not many in the BCCI are aware of his injury. Only VVS Laxman (NCA director) has been assigned to speak to him and the physios. Even the selection committee has been told that they will be informed about Bumrah’s actual injury and his rehab details in due course,” a BCCI source told The Indian Express.
“His back is in a fragile state right now. Besides, last time Bumrah’s return was hastened. Since he hadn’t fully recovered, he had discomfort while bowling on his return. This time, we are more conservative as a wrong call might even result in a career-threatening injury,” added the source.
With ODI World Cup lined up later this year in India, Bumrah’s recovery is critical for the Indian side, and the management is trying all it can to help the latter regain full fitness. Earlier, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma had also openly talked about the need for Bumrah in the host’s squad for the ICC event. Apart from the MI cricketer, Indian pacers Mukesh Choudhary and Prasidh Krishna are also under the observation of NCA.
