(Cricket News) With the ODI World Cup fast approaching in October-November, India has received encouraging updates regarding the availability of three key players who are currently recovering from injuries. Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer are currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. It is understood that if their recovery progresses as planned, Bumrah and Rahul will be ready for selection in the Asia Cup scheduled for September. However, Iyer is still in the process of recuperation, leading India to consider Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav as potential replacements.
Bumrah, who underwent back surgery in March, has already started bowling at the NCA nets and is making steady progress in his recovery. There is a possibility that Bumrah may regain full fitness in time for India’s tour to Ireland in August. However, the team management and medical staff are being cautious, prioritizing Bumrah’s availability for the World Cup. Bumrah, who has been dealing with recurring back issues, has not played competitive cricket since September of the previous year. After the injury resurfaced during the home season in January, he underwent back surgery to address the back-stress reaction. Currently, he is gradually increasing his bowling workload during the rehabilitation process.
Given the significance of Bumrah’s participation in the World Cup, the selectors are avoiding rushing him back like they did last September, which proved detrimental in the end. Although Bumrah has resumed bowling earlier this month without any reported discomfort, there are discussions about including him in a second-string squad for the tour to Ireland. However, due to the demanding travel schedule and quick turnaround, it is considered safer to include him in the squad for the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. Even during the continental tournament, his workload will be closely monitored to ensure he remains fresh and ready for the World Cup.
Regarding Rahul, who had surgery on his right thigh in May after sustaining an injury during the IPL, he is currently focused on his physical training. With his recovery progressing according to plan, it is understood that Rahul, who has been India’s standout batsman at No. 5 in ODIs and is being considered as the preferred wicketkeeper for the World Cup, will resume skill-based training by mid-July. There is a strong possibility that the 31-year-old may even be ready for the T20Is against Ireland, scheduled to begin on August 18 and end on August 23. However, similar to Bumrah, no specific return date has been set as the World Cup remains the top priority.
Rahul’s comeback will provide a significant boost to the team, especially in the absence of Iyer at No. 4. Since batting at No. 5, Rahul has played a crucial role in providing the finishing touches and has been consistently impressive.
The only uncertainty lies with Iyer, who also underwent back surgery in April and is training alongside Bumrah and Rahul at the NCA. The middle-order batsman is currently undergoing physiotherapy at the academy and it is understood that he is still a few weeks away from resuming skill-based training. The 28-year-old, who was on the verge of solidifying his position at No. 4, suffered a back injury during the home series against Sri Lanka. As a result, he missed the ODIs against New Zealand and Australia but made a comeback to the Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, his injury resurfaced during the middle of the fourth Test in Ahmedabad, leading to the surgery in London in April.
Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson are being considered as potential replacements for Iyer
As Iyer’s availability for the Asia Cup is currently uncertain, India is exploring alternative options in the form of Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson. While Yadav has been part of the ODI squad, he hasn’t been able to make the same impact he has had in T20 matches. This is why the selectors have reintroduced Samson into the mix for the World Cup, recognizing his potential as a viable candidate.
Considering the spin-friendly nature of the majority of venues for the World Cup, the performances of Yadav and Samson will be crucial in providing the necessary momentum in the middle order when facing spinners. Similar to Iyer, both players have shown strength against spin bowling and possess the ability to quickly accelerate the scoring rate during the middle overs. This is an area where India has faced challenges in increasing their tempo, and the contributions of Yadav and Samson, if they perform well, can significantly address this issue.
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