India seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is not sure when he will make a comeback to competitive cricket as it is yet to be ascertained whether a surgery is required to treat his sports hernia.
The senior pro, expected to be out for an indefinite period of time, doesn’t want to blame the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for allegedly bungling his rehabilitation. He, though, is a bit surprised as to why his hernia couldn’t be detected earlier.
“The T20 World Cup is still a good nine months away. I am not thinking about that… First thing is getting fit and I don’t know when I will get fit,” Bhuvneshwar said.
Asked about the NCA’s role, the 29-year-old was predictably defensive and said it’s best the BCCI brass deals with it. “It’s up to BCCI as to how they are going to take it. They must have had a chat with the NCA.
“The NCA must have tried its best, but I don’t know what went wrong and why it couldn’t diagnose. Still I am not the right person to comment on that as it might say something else and the BCCI will come up with something else,” said the Meerut man, who played 21 Tests, 114 ODIs and 43 T20 Internationals so far.
Bhuvneshwar also offered a dead defence when asked if players are wary of going to the NCA. “It’s an individual’s responsibility or wish as to whether he wants to go to the NCA or not.”
On his recovery process, he said that he is waiting for the doctor’s appointment, after which a clearer picture could emerge on the need for a surgery. “There is no surety of surgery, but generally, the standard procedure in case of sports hernia is surgery.
“But we need to take an appointment and I am not sure where it’s going to be, though we are trying to get it as soon as possible. Till I consult a doctor, I can’t say when will be the comeback as it depends on the diagnosis and treatment plan.”
Bhuvneshwar, after being out due to side strain post the tour of the West Indies, had made a comeback against the same side in the T20I series earlier this month before being sidelined again.
“Injuries can be frustrating at times, but I am not at all heartbroken. It’s part and parcel of our journey. I was in good rhythm against the West Indies.
“I want to be back at my best, but as I said, I don’t know what the treatment will be like. So whatever the doctor says, I will go with that only,” he said.
He was also asked if it would be a direct battle between him and the other injured seamer Deepak Chahar (stress fracture) for a berth in the T20 World Cup in Australia.
“When I get fit, it will be about performing. So I am not thinking about who all will be there. Thinking about selection is not in my hands and it’s not my job also. My job is to perform and I will do that,” Bhuvneshwar answered.
