The anticipation surrounding Jasprit Bumrah’s return to the Indian cricket team continues to grow with each passing day. After undergoing surgery for a stress fracture in his back, Bumrah’s rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy was initially progressing well, leading to speculations of a comeback during the Ireland T20Is in August. However, recent developments have brought even more exciting news for Indian cricket fans.
Firstly, there were reports that Bumrah was bowling seven overs a day at the NCA and was lined up to play practice games, indicating a potential comeback sooner than expected. The surprises didn’t end there, as it was announced that Bumrah is set to participate in the Asia Cup in September. The news further heightened the excitement surrounding the pacer’s return.
Ravichandran Ashwin, while discussing the recently announced World Cup 2023 fixtures, couldn’t contain his enthusiasm when he mentioned Bumrah’s name. Ashwin’s comments on his YouTube channel have brought a ray of hope to Indian cricket fans eagerly awaiting the India-Pakistan match scheduled to take place at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.
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Speaking about the much-anticipated clash, Ravichandran Ashwin said, “The last few games between India and Pakistan in the ICC events have been extraordinary to say the least. I think we can expect another blockbuster India-Pakistan game. It’s going to be a very equally-balanced game because Pakistan also has a quality seam attack. For India, obviously, we are expecting Bumrah, maybe even Prasidh… all these guys to be fit.”
Bumrah’s absence in the previous India-Pakistan T20Is, including those in the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup, was a disappointment for fans. However, if he recovers in time for the Asia Cup, cricket enthusiasts can look forward to witnessing the star pacer in action against Pakistan.
With the World Cup still a few months away, the India-Pakistan clash is already generating immense excitement. Hotels in Ahmedabad are booked in advance, and tickets are expected to sell like hotcakes once the window opens. Ashwin shares the enthusiasm and highlights the significance of the match at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium.
Ravichandran Ashwin explains, “Of course, it’s going to be a sell-out. 130,000 will be the capacity audience at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Even in the 2011 World Cup, Ahmedabad had happy memories… From IPL, we know that this is Shubman Gill’s home venue and he loves batting there. Both Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya have enjoyed bowling here. Even Prasidh enjoyed bowling here during an ODI against West Indies.”
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While the conditions at Ahmedabad present a catch-22 situation regarding the toss factor, Ravichandran Ashwin’s insights and analysis add to the intrigue surrounding the game.
As fans eagerly await Jasprit Bumrah’s return to the field, the prospect of witnessing his formidable bowling against Pakistan in the Asia Cup adds a new level of excitement to an already highly anticipated match. With Bumrah’s potential comeback, Team India receives a significant boost, increasing their chances of success in the upcoming clash against their arch-rivals
