Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s fans were left disappointed as news of his back surgery broke out. Bumrah underwent surgery in New Zealand ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.
The star pacer has been out of action for almost six months due to persistent back issues that forced him to miss several international games.
The 29-year-old pacer was unable to represent Team India in the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup last year due to his recurring back injury. Bumrah was named in India’s squad for the Sri Lanka series earlier this year but was eventually withdrawn due to a back niggle.
The seasoned pacer has played 30 Tests, 72 ODIs, and 60 T20Is for Team India. His absence will be a significant loss for the Indian team as the pacer is considered one of the best in the world.
Bumrah made his international debut against Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in 2016 and has since become a vital cog in India’s bowling lineup.
What Will Happen to Bumrah?
After completing his surgery in Christchurch, Bumrah is expected to miss the entire edition of the IPL 2023, which is scheduled to take place in April-May this year. According to reports, the pacer will be out of action for the next six months, making him unavailable for the 2023 edition of the Asia Cup as well.
However, Bumrah is hopeful of making a comeback ahead of the One Day International (ODI) World Cup later this year. The road to recovery is long and challenging, but Bumrah’s fans will be praying for a speedy recovery for their beloved speed merchant.
Despite being sidelined with his recurring back issues, Bumrah has remained positive and determined to make a comeback. The Indian team management and the National Cricket Academy (NCA) have been working closely with Bumrah to ensure that he returns to action only when he is fully fit.
The surgery conducted by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Rowan Schouten is expected to sort out the stress reaction in Bumrah’s lower back. Fans will be eagerly waiting for updates on Bumrah’s recovery and hoping to see him back in action soon.
How Did Bumrah Escalate to Needing Surgery
The injury was first reported just before India’s T20I series against South Africa began on September 28, when Bumrah was rushed to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru to be assessed by the BCCI’s medical team.
The stress reaction that had forced Bumrah out of the Asia Cup was on the left side of his lower back, but this latest injury is on the right side and is not a recurrence of the previous issue. This stress-related injury is Bumrah’s second such injury in the last three years. In September 2019, he was diagnosed with a “minor stress fracture in his lower back” and was sidelined for about three months.
The Indian team management and the National Cricket Academy want Bumrah to return only when he is fit to perform at his peak. Captain Rohit Sharma has also warned against rushing him back into action.
