Dublin, August 17, 2023
Introduction
After an absence of 11 months due to a stress fracture on his back, Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is set to make a comeback to international cricket with a strong sense of confidence and enthusiasm. Bumrah’s return comes ahead of the three-match T20I series against Ireland, where he will not only be leading India’s pace attack but also captaining a young Indian side in white-ball cricket for the first time.
The 29-year-old pacer addressed the media on the eve of the first T20I match in Dublin, expressing his excitement to be back on the field and addressing any concerns about his fitness. “All good, very happy to be back. Have been working very hard at the NCA. It’s been a long road but yeah, very happy to be back. I’m looking forward to it,” Bumrah stated confidently.
Known for his toe-crushing yorkers and his ability to trouble even the best batsmen, Bumrah mentioned that he is fully fit and ready to go all out. “I have no restrictions. The body feels good,” he affirmed, indicating that he plans to treat these T20Is as preparation for upcoming major events like the Asia Cup and World Cup.
Bumrah’s journey back to fitness has been a challenging one, but his positive outlook and determination have been his driving force. Despite his extended absence due to the injury, he never believed his cricketing career was over. “Instead of having self-doubts and thinking that I won’t be able to come back, I respected my body. I was always positive and focusing on the process to get back to the game I love,” he emphasized.
Presence was Missed
The void left by Bumrah’s absence was palpable in various formats of the game, from T20 World Cup to the World Test Championship final against Australia. Even captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid acknowledged the impact of Bumrah’s absence. However, the pacer remains unfazed by the weight of expectations and opinions surrounding his return.
“I respect their opinion but irrespective they are good or bad, I don’t take anyone’s opinion seriously,” Bumrah stated firmly. He further emphasized, “I’m not thinking that I have to contribute a lot or I will change everything. I’m coming with minimal expectations. If others are expecting, it’s their problem, not mine.”
Bumrah’s first practice session with Team India showcased his unwavering commitment to excellence. He posed a challenging test to the batters, proving that his skills are still intact despite the hiatus. Reflecting on his practice sessions, Bumrah highlighted his gradual approach to his return, “You want to enjoy your game. You want to slowly keep on getting better with each and every game and not be too unrealistic with what you want to do.”
Conclusion
As Bumrah prepares to lead India’s bowling attack and a young team in the T20I series against Ireland, his positive attitude and willingness to prioritize enjoyment over external expectations serve as a reminder of his resilience and determination. Cricket fans around the world eagerly await his return to the international stage, hoping to witness his trademark toe-crushers and wicket-taking prowess once again.
