By Saurabh Kumar: India have received a massive boost with the announcement that pacer Jasprit Bumrah would make a comeback in the Ireland series. The star Indian pacer will make his international return as captain in the Ireland series beginning in August, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 15-member squad for their tour to the United Kingdom (UK) on Monday.
This will be Bumrah’s second stint as captain, having previously led India against England in the rescheduled fifth Test at Edgbaston last year. Bumrah’s return to international cricket as the captain of the Indian side in the upcoming three-match T20I series in Ireland is undoubtedly a significant moment for both the player and the team. However, there are legitimate concerns about putting additional pressure on the fit-again pace spearhead, especially after having spent close to a year on the sidelines.
INJURY FORCED LONG ABSENCE
Despite his exceptional skills, Bumrah’s unconventional bowling action generates incredible pace, but it also puts significant strain on his back, leading to various injuries throughout his career.
Bumrah, who missed the entire editions of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, Asia Cup 2022, and T20 World Cup and underwent back surgery, is in the final stages of his recovery. Videos of him bowling with full force in the nets have surfaced on social media, indicating his progress. Earlier this year, Bumrah underwent surgery for a lower back stress fracture in New Zealand and was undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
To tease his much-awaited comeback in the World Cup year, Bumrah shared a video of himself bowling at full tilt during his time at the NCA. His last appearances were in an ODI in July 2022 and a T20I in September of the same year, where he struggled and recorded his worst T20I figures (0/50) against Australia. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finally announced his return to the Indian side for the three T20Is, following hints from board secretary Jay Shah.
CAPTAINCY AN ADDED BURDEN
The decision to appoint Bumrah as the captain for the Ireland series might be seen as a show of confidence in his abilities, but it also puts an added burden on him. Captaincy is a significant responsibility that requires not only strategic acumen on the field but also increased off-field commitments. This additional pressure could potentially hinder Bumrah’s focus on his primary role as a pace bowler and affect his performance, considering that he is making a comeback from a significant injury.
Furthermore, the T20I series in Ireland might serve as a platform for Bumrah to test his fitness and form, but it also carries the risk of pushing him too hard too soon. The Asia Cup, scheduled to be held after the Ireland series, is another crucial tournament for India, especially with the T20 World Cup around the corner. Bumrah’s fitness and form are crucial for India’s success in these tournaments, and rushing him back might jeopardize his availability or effectiveness in these high-stakes competitions.
WHY NOT RUTURAJ?
The decision to appoint Bumrah as the captain for the Ireland series has raised some eyebrows. The star pacer is returning from a back injury and has been undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy. While his fitness will be crucial for India’s lead-up to the ODI World Cup, this series could have been an opportunity for Ruturaj Gaikwad to gain more exposure as a captain, especially considering his upcoming role in the Asian Games. Bumrah would have been better off focusing solely on his game plan and bowling without the added burden of leadership responsibilities if the BCCI appointed Ruturaj the captain for the Ireland series also.
WHAT NEXT FOR BUMRAH
Jasprit Bumrah is undeniably India’s top strike bowler and possesses the ability to secure a place in any team worldwide across formats when he is fully fit. Over the past 8-10 years, he has emerged as India’s most impactful and penetrative bowler, consistently taking crucial wickets and altering the course of games with his game-changing bowling.
It is important for the team management and the selectors to strike a balance between Jasprit Bumrah’s return and his workload management. While it is essential to give him opportunities to assess his fitness and form, it is equally vital to avoid pushing him beyond reasonable limits.
Putting additional pressure on him as the captain in the Ireland series might not be the best decision, given the upcoming Asia Cup and ODI World Cup. The team management and selectors should prioritize his long-term fitness and effectiveness over short-term gains, ensuring that India’s pace spearhead remains at his best if they are hoping to break a decade-long ICC Trophy drought.