In a recent statement, former cricketer Ravi Shastri emphasized the importance of not rushing the return of Indian paceman Jasprit Bumrah from his injury. Shastri expressed concern, cautioning against repeating the same mistake Pakistan made with their pacer Shaheen Afridi.
Shastri, 61, voiced his apprehension, stating, “That’s the concern, you want him [Bumrah] fit. He is such a world-class operator, but you want him fully fit. He is such an important cricketer, you think should we rush him for the World Cup. Then you do that and then lose him for four months after that. Much like Shaheen Afridi. Pakistan rushed him into that T20 World Cup, and he has not played till just recently. He was out for four months,” he disclosed to The Week.
Furthermore, Shastri discussed the delicate balance between the eagerness to play and the individual’s self-care. He emphasized the need for players to consider the consequences of hasty returns, emphasizing the potential cost associated with such decisions. Shastri reassured the team, highlighting the experience offered by bowlers like Shami and Siraj. He also noted that in India, where fast bowlers are not as crucial, the spin department plays a more pivotal role. Shastri was confident in the availability of quality spinners like Jaddu, Axar, Chahal, Kuldeep, and Bishnoi, providing depth and options in that department.
It is worth noting that Afridi had sustained a knee injury during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle last year. Despite the injury, he was hurried back for the T20 Cricket World Cup, only to be injured once again during the final against England. Consequently, he endured another three-month hiatus before making a comeback for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight in February this year.
Meanwhile, Bumrah has been sidelined since September last year due to back problems and subsequent back surgery. Currently, he is undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA in Bengaluru, where he has reportedly achieved a 70 percent recovery, as per Cricbuzz.
With the upcoming Ireland T20I series in August, the Indian selectors are keen on including Bumrah in the squad to assess his recovery progress ahead of the World Cup scheduled for October-November on home soil. However, the cautionary words of Shastri serve as a reminder to carefully consider the timing of Bumrah’s return and prioritize his long-term fitness over short-term gains.