The already strong Indian pace attack is set to get stronger as Jasprit Bumrah, in all likelihood, will return for the tour of New Zealand early next year, said chief selector MSK Prasad.

“He (Bumrah) is gradually getting back to full fitness, though we need to hear from the people working on his recovery.

“His return cannot be before next month as we are still waiting for a report on him. But of course, he is expected to be back for the New Zealand series,” Prasad said on the sidelines of the ongoing Day-Night pink-ball Test at the Eden on Saturday.

A stress fracture on his lower back had ruled Bumrah out in September, before India hosted South Africa for three T20Is and as many Test matches. Since then, his recovery has been on track after he consulted specialists in the UK.

The second and final Test versus the Windies in Kingston was the last international game Bumrah played before he was ruled out.

The current pacers – Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami – though, have ensured that Bumrah’s absence is not felt with their immaculate line and length, and consistency.

“I think this is one of the all-time best seam attacks in the history of Indian cricket,” Prasad emphasised.

Moving on to Rishabh Pant, who was released from the current Test squad to play the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy matches, Prasad felt that the young wicketkeeper-batsman needs to be given enough support for the hard times he has been going through.

“Pant is a good player,” Prasad said.