Jasprit Bumrah: Why the bowler is so important for the Indian cricket team - BBC News

The bowler's return to cricket after injury bodes well for the Indian side at the Asia and World Cups.

16 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Jasprit Bumrah's back injury kept him out of cricket for nearly a yearBy Suresh MenonSports writerTwo players who made their international debut within a year of each other quickly became India's most exciting cricketers.

With his fearless strokeplay, Rishabh Pant became the darling of spectators around the world. With his unorthodox action, pace and control, Jasprit Bumrah quickly became the spearhead of India's bowling attack. Now both are on the comeback trail.

Pant, 25, was involved in a horrific car accident in December last year. His rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy - where he recently batted and kept wickets - is, according to those who have been monitoring him, "ahead of the curve".

Bumrah, 29, whose back injury kept him out of cricket for nearly a year, returned as captain and spearhead in the series against Ireland. He seemed to extend his run-up slightly and bowled well within his limits, yet held out hope for a return to white ball cricket - which currently is the focus of the Indian team with the Asia Cup, to be followed by the World Cup in October.

You can't rush these things. Former chairman of selectors Chetan Sharma in a moment of indiscretion revealed that Bumrah might have been played too early following his injury when he bowled in the T20 against Australia. It cost Sharma his job. But it also emphasised the need for proper rest and rehabilitation, and the importance of listening to your body. Often senior cricketers are allowed to ignore medical advice, and it can prove costly.