Jasprit Bumrah, who has resumed bowling, and KL Rahul likely to play Asia Cup in September

With less than 100 days to go for the World Cup in October-November, India has received some positive feedback about the availability of three of their first-choice players, who are currently out injured. Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. The Indian Express understands that if their recovery goes according to plan, Bumrah and Rahul will be available for selection for the Asia Cup set to be played in September. Iyer is yet to recover, and India are looking at Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav as cover.

It is understood that Bumrah, who underwent a back surgery in March, has already started bowling at the NCA nets and his recovery is believed to be smooth so far. There is a likelihood that the pacer could be match-fit in time for India’s tour to Ireland in August, but the Indian team management and the medical team are in no mood to rush as they want him for the World Cup. The 29-year-old, who had been suffering



from a recurring back injury, hasn’t played any competitive cricket since last September. And after the injury resurfaced during the home season in January, Bumrah was advised to undergo a surgery for the back-stress reaction, and after completing his rehabilitation is slowly increasing his bowling workload.

With his availability for the World Cup being crucial to India’s hopes, the selectors believe there is no need to rush him like they did last September with an eye on the T20 World Cup as that proved to be detrimental in the end. Having resumed bowling earlier this month, it is understood that the pacer hasn’t complained of any discomfort and there is a school of thought whether to send him to Ireland with a second-string squad. But given the long travel and the quick turnaround, taking him to Sri Lanka for the Asia Cup is seen as a safe option. Even at the continental showpiece event, there is a strong likelihood that his workload will be keenly monitored as they want him fresh for the World Cup.