Jasprit Bumrah undergoes back surgery in New Zealand, likely to be out of action for six months

India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has undergone surgery for persistent back issues that has kept him out of action for nearly six months from international cricket.

Bumrah, who last played for India in September 2022, underwent the surgery in New Zealand on Monday. It is unclear when the 29-year-old will complete his rehabilitation and return to action, with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup later this year a likely target.

The injury sidelined the fast bowler from the Asia Cup last year, although he then returned to the squad for the home series against Australia and South Africa. He played two T20Is against Australia, but missed the South Africa series with a recurrence of a back injury, and was subsequently ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup



2022.

He was due to return in the subsequent series against Sri Lanka, but after being named in the squad initially, he was withdrawn after a niggle. With the surgery completed, hopes of a return in time for the ODI World Cup later this year will be strengthened.

According to reports, the BCCI medical staff at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru had been treating Bumrah's case on an emergency basis and had suggested surgery as a treatment option. The BCCI made the decision to perform the surgery in collaboration with the NCA and Bumrah.

The Indian team management and the NCA want Bumrah to return only when he is 100% fit to perform at his best, with captain Rohit Sharma also warning India not to rush him back into action.