Jasprit Bumrah is finally back in the Indian squad after missing almost 11 months of action because of a back injury and subsequent surgery. The pacer will lead in the T20I series in Ireland.
He was undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore for the past two months under the watchful eyes of VVS Laxman, the NCA chief, who is set to take charge as head coach for the three T20Is.
Bumrah recently played a few practice games and the NCA medical team is believed to be satisfied with his progress.
Hardik Pandya has not been included since the Rahul Dravid-led Indian team management plans to hold a conditioning camp in Bangalore before the Asia Cup. Most of the ODI specialists will be part of the camp.
Bumrah being the senior most was given the responsibility to lead the team though Ruturaj Gaikwad, the captain for the Asian Games-bound squad, was also considered to reduce the fast bowler’s workload.
Fellow pacer Prasidh Krishna will also make a comeback in the T20I series. He too underwent a surgery for stress fracture.
Jitesh Sharma, Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube were included on the back of an impressive IPL season.
