(Image source from: Crictoday.com)
Jasprit Bumrah will need to maintain his patience as he awaits his return to competitive cricket, as the BCCI is taking precautions concerning the fast bowler, who is believed to be at risk of developing a stress fracture in his back. Bumrah sustained a lower back injury during the Sydney Test in Australia earlier this January and has been sidelined since then. Although he has recently resumed bowling at the BCCI’s Center of Excellence in Bengaluru, he has not yet been able to bowl at full intensity. Initially, it was anticipated that the bowler would join the Mumbai Indians for the IPL by April 1, but now there is no definitive timeline for when he will become available.
A source from BCCI noted, “Bumrah’s injury is somewhat more severe. The medical team wants to make sure he does not encounter a stress fracture. Bumrah himself is proceeding with caution.” According to the report, while Bumrah is considered clinically fit, the organization prefers to slowly ramp up his workload. As Bumrah plays for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, the franchise will need to extend its wait before having their leading pacer available for the current season. The five-time champions kicked off their season with successive losses before ultimately achieving a notable victory against Kolkata Knight Riders at home.
In addition to Bumrah, the return of right-arm pacer Akash Deep has also been postponed due to ongoing recovery from a back issue. “He (Bumrah) is practicing at the Center of Excellence, but it may take additional time for him to be back to his usual form. A specific timeline remains uncertain, though there is hope for his return by mid-April. Akash Deep is also aiming to make his comeback by April 10,” the source added. Recently, former New Zealand bowler Shane Bond cautioned India about the risks of overworking Bumrah, suggesting he is close to a fracture.
“He (Bumrah) underwent surgery in 2023, but he participated in the entire Test series in Australia and performed exceptionally well. Ultimately, he bowled excessively over a month’s time. While it hasn’t broken, he is teetering on the edge of a fracture,” Bond remarked.
