IRE vs IND, 1st T20I: Feel good, expect great cricket, says Jasprit Bumrah on India comeback
India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is all set to make his international comeback after being on the sidelines for almost a year due to back injury. Bumrah, who is leading India in the three-match T20I series against Ireland, said that he is expecting “great cricket” on his return to India team.
India won the toss in the first T20I and opted to bowl against Ireland at Malahide, Dublin on August 18. Bumrah, speaking at the toss, revealed that he has told debutants Rinku Singh and Prasidh Krishna to “enjoy the game and have fun”.
“Feels good to be back. You obviously expect great cricket when you come here. As a fast bowler I would want the wickets to be a little helpful but lets see what happens. We have got two debutants. Rinku Singh and Prasidh Krishna. I’ve told them to enjoy the game and have fun,” Bumrah told the broadcaster.
Bumrah, who was sidelined due to a lower-back stress fracture since September 2022, spent his month-long haitus in intensive practice, keeping in mind the high demands of the upcoming Asia Cup and ODI World Cup.
During his rehabilitation period, Bumrah maintained his focus on ODI cricket. In a recent press conference, on the eve of the first T20I against Ireland, Bumrah expressed his preparation plans. “I was always preparing for the World Cup competition,” he said, adding that he has been practising long spells of bowling, preparing essentially for ODI tournaments rather than T20I games.
Bumrah also affirmed his readiness for the uphill task of positioning India as a strong contender in the upcoming tournaments. Despite the long break, this ambitious cricketer seems undeterred by the magnitude of expectations mounting on his comeback. Happily welcoming his return to field, Bumrah said, “I just want to enjoy the game as I have come after a long break.”
The India fast bowler has shown grit and stringent adherence to his preparation plan during his rehabilitation days at the National Cricket Academy. “I always had a lot of belief. I am very happy to be back. Been working really hard at the NCA. The body feels good and looking forward to some game time,” he stated, expressing excitement at the prospect of returning to the game he is passionate about.
