Jasprit Bumrahhas undergone surgery on his troublesome lower back in Christchurch and will take at least six months to return to action.

This means that the fast bowler will, if his recovery is on track, be in a position to hit the nets by end-August or early September and be in the reckoning for the ODIWorld Cup at home in October-November. He is expected to stay in New Zealand till March-end.

The surgery was conducted by orthopaedic surgeon Rowan Schouten attached to Forte Orthopaedics in Christchurch.

That Bumrah’s surgery will take place in New Zealand was first reported by The Telegraph on March 2.

It is understood that Mumbai Indians’ bowling coach Shane Bond, a former New Zealand fast bowler, played a role in Bumrah’s decision to have the surgery in Christchurch. The same procedure had helped extend injury-prone Bond’s career during his playing days.

Bumrah has not featured in any cricket since September last year for a stress reaction in his lower back. He attempted a comeback in January during the home series against Sri Lanka, but fresh niggles in the back ruled him out. While he played two practice matches at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore, he felt discomfort when performing higher workloads.

Bumrah will not feature in the IPL or the World Test Championship final at The Oval from June 7, should India make it.

The Indian team management as well as the NCA want him to return when he is absolutely fit.

The BCCI, which boasts of transparency, has been silent on the issue and is yet to put out a statement.