Mumbai, Mar 20 (UNI) Mumbai Indians' head coach and Sri Lankan cricket legend Mahela Jayawardene has provided an update on Jasprit Bumrah's rehabilitation, stressing the need for patience as the star pacer works his way back to full fitness.
"Bumrah has just started his progress. We have to wait and see what the feedback from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team is. At the moment, everything is going well, but his recovery remains a day-to-day process," Jayawardene stated.
Bumrah, India’s premier fast bowler, has been rested since sustaining a back injury during the final Border-Gavaskar Test match against Australia in Sydney earlier this year. His absence was keenly felt during India's victorious ICC Champions Trophy campaign, and his return is being closely monitored ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
The pacer has resumed bowling at Bengaluru’s National Cricket Academy (NCA), a significant milestone in his recovery. Under the supervision of the BCCI's medical team at the Centre of Excellence, his rehabilitation has been carefully managed. Fans remain hopeful of his return, with IPL franchise Mumbai Indians keeping a close watch on his progress.
However, Mumbai Indians' bowling coach and former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond has advised caution, warning against rushing Bumrah back into the rigours of international cricket.
"It would be wise to limit him to no more than two consecutive Tests upon his comeback. Rushing him could lead to a serious setback, potentially ending his career," Bond remarked.
Bumrah was initially named in India’s provisional squad for the ICC Champions Trophy, but discomfort after scans in early February forced his withdrawal. This setback marked the first major recurrence of his back injury since March 2023, when he underwent surgery, causing him to miss both the IPL and the ICC World Test Championship Final.
His absence was particularly evident in India’s recent Test series against Australia, where despite his brilliant individual performance finishing as the highest wicket-taker with 32 scalps India succumbed to a 3-1 series defeat.
Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is in the process of appointing a new head of Sports Science at the Centre of Excellence following the departure of Nitin Patel. This move comes at a crucial time, as the role is instrumental in the rehabilitation of key players like Bumrah, highlighting the growing emphasis on sports science in Indian cricket.
With the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle set to begin with India’s series against England on June 20, selectors and team management are closely monitoring Bumrah’s recovery, ensuring he is fully fit before making his international comeback.
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