India have started their home season with back-to-back series wins. The Men in Blue first defeated Sri Lanka in the T20I as well as the ODI series. The Rohit Sharma-led team then completed a clean sweep against New Zealand in the three-match series as they beat the Kiwis by 90 runs in the third and final ODI on Tuesday, January 24. Now, India will take on New Zealand in three T20Is. But the most important international assignment for the Men in Blue is the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
Meanwhile, India’s premium pacer Jasprit Bumrah continues to undergo recovery from a back injury, but the other fast bowlers have stepped up brilliantly for the side in Bumrah’s absence. Earlier this month, Bumrah was added to India’s ODI squad for the series against Sri Lanka, but his name was withdrawn the evening before the first game of the series.
“It’s very unlikely that Jasprit will be at his 100% for the Australia series. One thing is certain, no matter which series we play, he won’t be rushed back again. Back injuries take time and rehab is a lengthy process. At this moment, he is unfit for selection and how long it will take for him to return is still doubtful. It will take another month or probably,” a senior Indian Cricket Board official told InsideSport.
I am hoping he plays the last two Tests: Rohit Sharma
The pacer is also missing from India’s squad for the first two Tests against Australia. Indian team skipper Rohit now opened up on the probability of the speedster’s making a return to the Indian squad for the third Test of the Australia series.
“Not too sure about Bumrah, I am hoping he plays last two Tests against Australia. We don’t want to take any risks with him as back injuries are always critical. We have a lot of cricket coming back after that also. We are in constant touch with physios and doctors in NCA. The medical team will give him as much time as he wants,” Rohit Sharma said at the post-match press conference after the IND vs NZ 3rd ODI.
