Former India cricketer Madan Lal shared his comment on Jasprit Bumrah as he backed Umesh Yadav to feature in India’s squad, hoping the side qualifies for the ICC World Test Championship Final. As per the latest developments, pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah could be confined to the sidelines for most of 2023. However, he is all set to undergo surgery and has travelled to New Zealand for the treatment of his back injury.

“They will take Umesh (to the WTC final). There you need at least 3 pacers so, only one spinner might play and the rest will be fast bowlers. Bumrah ko ab bhool jao. Usko chhor dijiye aap (Forget Bumrah. Leave him out of the equation). When Bumrah returns, we will see then. Use whatever you have. What is the guarantee? No wonder when he will return – maybe in 1 to 1.5 years. He has not played in so long. It means his injury is very serious,” said the 71-year-old on Sports Tak.

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Madan Lal further added that Bumrah’s injury is such that one cannot expect him to do well quickly. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma & Co. are on the cusp of cementing a berth in the summit clash of the World Test Championship. However, a win in the fourth red-ball clash against Australia of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy will help stamp their ticket to the final.

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“At max, an injury takes 3 months to heal and he hasn’t played since September – even Hardik Pandya was able to return in 4 months post his back surgery – and Bumrah hasn’t played since 6 months. So, how can you expect that this will be the same Bumrah that we have seen so far? It will take him time. If you want to see the same Bumrah, you will have to give him time,” Madan Lal concluded.