The comeback everyone was waiting for!
Star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will make a return to the Indian cricket team in August after a lengthy injury layoff. He will be leading the side in the three-match T20I series against Ireland, which begins on August 18.
Bumrah's absence from the team was felt since he last played for India in a T20I back in September 2022, before his unfortunate back injury flared up. His unavailability during the 2022 T20 World Cup due to the injury left fans eagerly awaiting his comeback, particularly with the highly anticipated ODI World Cup scheduled to be held in India from October 5.
Providing hope to fans, BCCI secretary Jay Shah had already hinted earlier this week that the star pacer was nearing full fitness ear. Bumrah further showcased his progress as he participated in a practice match at the Alur cricket ground near Bengaluru. During the match, he bowled 10 overs, split into two spells, against some of Mumbai's budding batters.
Joining Bumrah in the squad is Prasidh Krishna, who was also undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA. The 15-man squad will have Ruturaj Gaikwad as Bumrah's deputy for the T20I games.
The team predominantly includes young talents with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, and Rinku Singh in the batting line-up, while Washington Sundar and Ravi Bishnoi will lead the spin attack. Alongside Bumrah and Prasidh, the pace battery includes Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, and Avesh Khan.
India's squad for Ireland series: Jasprit Bumrah (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (wk), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Ravi Bishnoi, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan
Also watch: Jasprit Bumrah bowls with full force during practice match