Jasprit Bumrah has returned to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, reigniting hopes of a swift comeback.
The Indian and Mumbai Indians fast bowler is undergoing assessments to determine his readiness for the upcoming IPL season and to secure clearance for participation. Whether he will be available partially or fully will be decided during this visit.
This marks his second trip to the NCA in a short period. During his previous visit, Bumrah reportedly experienced some pain and discomfort while bowling.
Following observation, the NCA staff prescribed specific exercises and suggested he return later for further evaluation. This time, however, there is a renewed sense of optimism about his recovery.
If Jasprit Bumrah bowls without pain or discomfort, he could be cleared to play in the IPL. However, it is widely believed that he will need at least another week to be deemed match-fit, which would likely rule him out of Mumbai Indians’ first two games.
Mumbai Indians coach Mahela Jayawardene expressed cautious optimism about Bumrah’s progress. “He has just started his recovery process. We need to wait for feedback from the NCA. So far, everything is going well, but his progress is being monitored daily. He is in good spirits, and we hope he can join the team soon,” Jayawardene said during a media interaction. He acknowledged Bumrah’s importance to the team, calling him “one of the best bowlers in the world” and a “fantastic professional” for the franchise.
In other news, Sanju Samson is set to return to the NCA next month for further clearance. The Rajasthan Royals player has received partial clearance, allowing him to bat but not to keep wickets following surgery on his right index finger. As a result, Rajasthan Royals have decided to use Samson solely as an impact player and have appointed Riyan Parag as captain for the time being. After three matches, Samson will consult with the NCA to assess whether he can resume wicketkeeping duties.
