‘It is good that he is going to Ireland’ - Madan Lal reflects on Jasprit Bumrah’s return to international cricket

Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal feels that Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah will be able to better assess himself as to where he stands regarding his fitness through the Ireland series. India will be taking on Ireland in a three-match T20I series, scheduled to begin from August 18.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India recently named 15-member squad for the series against Ireland, and star pacer Bumrah was announced as the skipper, making his much-anticipated comeback to cricket. Returning from injury, Bumrah will be keen on getting back to the peak of his powers as soon as possible. 

The Indian pace spearhead has been out of cricketing action since last September, when he played against Australia in the home T20I series. He underwent a surgery in March in New Zealand to treat his back, missing the Indian Premier League as well as the World Test Championship final as he continued his post-surgery recovery and training at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.

"It is good that he is going to Ireland. He will get to play matches and get to know where he stands with regard to his fitness. He will have to play matches and maintain continuity. It is really important that he plays the World Cup and should not take any unnecessary chances. Though Bumrah is an asset for us, one bowler cannot change everything. Our bowling will have to perform as a unit. If they do not do well for us, it would become difficult for us," Madan Lal was quoted as saying by the News Mill.

It is upto the players to perform: Madan Lal

Furthermore, Madan Lal also stated the importance of the Indian middle order and opined that their performance will be crucial for India to win the upcoming ODI World Cup at home.

"They (middle order) batters are playing regularly, getting exposure. If you do not perform, what is all this hard work worth? It is upto players to perform, it will make the middle order strong and confident. If we have a good middle order, only then India will have a chance to win the WC," he said.