India will play Ireland in a three-game T20I series starting on Friday, August 18. This will be Jasprit Bumrah’s first game in almost a year due to an illness.
Bumrah will also have to lead the team as captain when he gets back after a long and frustrating trip over the past year.
Aside from a few bilateral games, the pace leader missed important events like the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 and the World Test Championship final. Bumrah is back now and has confirmed that he has no restrictions and can bowl at full speed, which is great news for fans before the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in October and November.
“You need to treat your body with care and give it time to heal. But it makes you hungry,” he told reporters at a press meeting before the first T20I against Ireland.
“I knew that as soon as my body felt better, I could do just a little bit more. I am not being shy. I’ve had a lot of internet sessions. Not just at NCA, but also with the Gujarat team back at home. I don’t have any rules. The body is in good shape.”
Bumrah said that he stayed hopeful during his recovery time and was sure that he would come back strong.
“When your injury slows you down, it can be stressful. But instead of doubting myself and thinking I won’t be able to come back.
“I took care of my body. I never thought that my bad days were over or that I wouldn’t be able to come back because I never thought about the future. I was looking for a way out, and when I found one, I felt good that I would be able to come back and work my way up.
Even though Bumrah’s return is big news, the bowler said he won’t have high hopes and will just try to enjoy the game. When asked if Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid’s words about his absence made him feel more pressure, Bumrah said that someone else’s opinion wouldn’t bother him.
“I respect their opinion, but I don’t take anyone’s opinion seriously, whether it’s good or bad,” Bumrah said about what people in the camp expect.
“I don’t want to stress myself out. I don’t put too much pressure on myself. I’ve been gone for a long time, so I want to enjoy it now that I’m back. I don’t feel like I have to do a lot or change everything if I don’t.
“I don’t have too high of hopes for myself. I’m going to the game to enjoy it, and whatever else they expect from me is none of my business. My job is to enjoy the game, get ready as well as I can, and put my best foot forward.