Jasprit Bumrah is set to make his international comeback after almost a year in the upcoming T20I series against Ireland. India will play three T20Is from August 18 to 23, with Bumrah leading the side. The Indian pacer has been absent from the team since September 2022, missing out on the T20 World Cup, the Border-Gavaskar series, and the WTC final. However, he was included in the Ireland T20I side after receiving clearance from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) regarding his fitness.
Pragyan Ojha believes that Bumrah’s main challenge will be to regain his match fitness during the upcoming series against Ireland. Despite maintaining his fitness and practicing in the nets, Ojha points out that match fitness is a different ball game altogether.
“The biggest challenge for him would be to get his match fitness. Because it has almost been a year (since he last played a T20I in September), that could be a challenge for him. No matter how much fitness you do or net bowling you do, that is completely different from match fitness. This is where he will be tested,” said Ojha, as quoted by the New Indian Express.
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Ojha also emphasizes that avoiding injuries in the upcoming series will be a moral victory for BCCI and Bumrah himself. Considering the upcoming T20 World Cup in India, Bumrah’s presence will be vital, and his fitness and form will be crucial for the Indian team.
“If he does well and doesn’t get any niggles back, that will be a victory for NCA, BCCI, and Bumrah himself. With the World Cup in India, he has to play because he adds value to the Indian side,” Ojha added.
Regarding Bumrah leading the side, Ojha points out that the pacer is the most experienced player in the Indian T20I squad selected for the series. Given his previous experience as captain in Tests and his love for responsibility, Ojha believes that having that leadership role will bring out the best in Bumrah.
“When you look at the squad selected against Ireland, there are a lot of youngsters. The senior-most player usually gets to be the captain. He has been the captain of the Indian side in Tests, and he loves responsibility. Having that responsibility gets the best out of him,” mentioned Ojha.