Jasprit Bumrah 'bowling with full intensity', set to test fitness in practice matches
KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant, meanwhile, have all begun batting in the nets as they continue their rehabilitation from injury
ESPNcricinfo staff
21-Jul-2023
Jasprit Bumrah underwent back surgery in New Zealand in March • BCCI
Jasprit Bumrah's return to action could be imminent, with the fast bowler now "bowling with full intensity in the nets", according to a BCCI medical update. Bumrah, whose last competitive cricket came in September 2022, has been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru since undergoing back surgery in New Zealand in March this year.
According to the BCCI's release, Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna - another fast bowler recuperating from a stress fracture - are both bowling at full intensity.
"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."
ESPNcricinfo understands the NCA is mindful of Bumrah's workload, and has organised practice games, so that he can play under a physio's supervision, rather than asking him to play in the 50-overs inter-zonal Deodhar Trophy. If he pulls up well in the practice games, he could be in contention for the three-match T20I series in Ireland, which is scheduled to run from August 18 to 23.
After the Ireland tour, India will next be in action at the Asia Cup, from August 30 to September 17. In late September, they will host Australia for three ODIs, just before the ODI World Cup gets underway on October 5.
Batters KL Rahul (thigh) and Shreyas Iyer (lower back) are also making progress as they recuperate from their respective injuries. "They have resumed batting in the nets and are currently undergoing strength and fitness drills," the release said. "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, who underwent knee ligament surgery after surviving a serious car crash last December, is also making "significant progress", having resumed batting as well as keeping wicket in the nets. "He is currently following a fitness programme designed for him which includes strength, flexibility and running."