'We are hopeful that Bumrah will be fit for the match' - R Ashwin hints at Indian pacer's availability for India-Pakistan WC clash

The mystery surrounding Jasprit Bumrah's recovery and his expected return to the Indian cricket team continues to deepen with each passing day. Last week, it was reported that Bumrah's rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy was progressing as scheduled after his stress fracture surgery.

There were hopes of his return as early as the Ireland T20Is in August. However, just two days later, news emerged that Bumrah was bowling seven overs a day at the NCA and would participate in practice games, indicating that his comeback was still some time away. 

While fans were digesting this bittersweet update, another exciting development unfolded when news of Bumrah's participation in the upcoming Asia Cup emerged. On Thursday, Ravichandran Ashwin added to the good news by revealing details about Bumrah's comeback.

During his discussion about the recently announced fixtures for the 2023 World Cup, Ashwin mentioned that Bumrah's return was the most positive update. He specifically talked about the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan match scheduled to take place at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium. Ashwin's revelation about Bumrah's potential availability brought joy to Indian cricket fans.

"The India-Pakistan clashes in previous ICC events have been extraordinary. I believe we can expect another blockbuster match between the two teams. Both teams have a quality seam attack, so it will be a closely contested game. We are hopeful that Bumrah, and possibly Prasidh as well, will be fit for the match. Although I'm uncertain about the team combination, it promises to be an exciting contest," said Ashwin on his YouTube channel.

Bumrah had missed all three India vs Pakistan T20Is in the past year, including two during the Asia Cup and one at the T20 World Cup. However, if he remains fit for the Asia Cup, he is likely to play in all three matches against Pakistan scheduled for this year. 

With three and a half months left until the World Cup, the highly anticipated clash between the two cricketing giants has already become a sold-out event. Hotels in Ahmedabad are already fully booked, and tickets are expected to sell rapidly once they become available. Ashwin, like all fans, is eagerly looking forward to the match.

We have fond memories of Ahmedabad from the 2011 World Cup: Ashwin

"One particular game I want to talk about is the India vs. Pakistan match at Ahmedabad on October 15. It is undoubtedly going to be a sell-out event, with a capacity audience of 130,000 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. We have fond memories of Ahmedabad from the 2011 World Cup. Back then, where we played the quarter-final against Australia and emerged victorious. We then faced Pakistan in the semifinal and went on to win the World Cup," added Ashwin.

The excitement for the India-Pakistan match at Ahmedabad is already building up, with both players and fans eagerly anticipating a thrilling encounter at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium.