Jasprit Bumrah expected to return for Ireland tour in August

India speedster Jasprit Bumrah is nearing full fitness and is expected to join the Indian white-ball team for the T20Is in Ireland in August. The 29-year-old, who is currently training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, has increased his workload gradually.

Bumrah, who had back surgery in March 2023, returned to bowling in June after a successful recovery at the NCA. Notably, his rehabilitation is being overseen by BCCI (the Board of Control for Cricket in India) head of cricket VVS Laxman.

Team India selectors and the BCCI were looking to pick Bumrah in the squad for the forthcoming Asia Cup in September. However, given his recent progress, he could travel to Ireland with a second-string India side in August. According to an Indian Express report, a final decision regarding the pacer's selection is expected in the coming days.

Bumrah has not played competitive cricket since September 2022 due to the injury. According to sources, he is not feeling any discomfort currently. The pacer may even play a few practice matches at the NCA after some days.

Shreyas Iyer likely to tour to Ireland

Shreyas Iyer, who had surgery for a persistent back ailment, has also resumed batting after rehab. Like Bumrah, the middle-order batter also missed the IPL 2023 season after injuring himself during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year at home. He is also likely to visit Ireland for the T20I series.

Meanwhile, Prasidh Krishna, who underwent surgery for a lumbar stress fracture, is recovering well and has resumed bowling. The 27-year-old also missed the IPL 2023 due to injuries and last played in a competitive match in Zimbabwe in August 2022. He is unlikely to feature in the Ireland tour next month but is expected to play in the Asia Cup.