(Cricket News) India have announced their 16-man squad for the 3-match T20I series against Ireland. Jasprit Bumrah has been named the captain which is incredible news for India. The series is a great way for Bumrah to come back to playing competitive cricket. The pacer suffered a back injury before the Asia Cup T20 last year, he did come back for the series against Australia but it was short-lived as he relapsed and since hasn’t played a single game.
Jasprit Bumrah has recently passed a fitness test just in time for the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup. However, he needs to be handled with care to make sure that Team India get the best out of him. Fast bowlers are bound to get injured but the selectors need to be extra careful with someone like him who is an impact player.
Along with Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna has also returned to the squad after a long-term injury. The Karnataka pacer was bursting on the scene before that with incredible IPL performances, he was a regular in India’s ODI squad and was really close to a Test call-up. Now the Ireland series is a good opportunity for him to make a case for himself to be in the World Cup squad.
It will be difficult as Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur, Umran Malik and now Mukesh Kumar are all fighting for a spot. Prasidh’s ability to hit the deck hard with accuracy is something that sets him apart and if not for this World Cup then for the future he is definitely one to watch.
Ruturaj Gaikwad who was recently named India’s captain for the Asian Games is also Jasprit Bumrah’s deputy for the Ireland series. The decision is a little surprising because a senior player like Sanju Samson is in the squad. The call shows the trust selectors have in Gaikwad but it is a little harsh on Samson who has been playing well whenever given an opportunity.
Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul who have both been struggling with injuries have not been called up but the latter is fully fit and is likely to play the Asia Cup. With regards to Bumrah, the management should use him carefully up until the World Cup to avoid another relapse which would be catastrophic.
