As Jasprit Bumrah prepares to mark his much-anticipated return to international cricket, former India fast bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji has shared valuable insights into the challenges the star pacer might face after recovering from back surgery.
All eyes are set on Bumrah as he prepares to lead the second-string Indian team in the three-match T20I series against Ireland. The pacemaker’s comeback comes after nearly a year-long hiatus from international cricket due to a back injury. Bumrah’s last international appearance was during the T20I series against Australia at home in September last year.
The road to recovery has been anything but easy for Bumrah. After experiencing discomfort during the ODI series against Sri Lanka earlier this year, he underwent surgery in New Zealand in March. The subsequent rehabilitation process was carried out at the National Cricket Academy. Bumrah is poised to don the Indian jersey again, with the first T20I match against Ireland scheduled for August 18.
Lakshmipathy Balaji, a former cricketer who experienced a successful career despite challenges, has provided insights into the complexities of a comeback journey after surgery. He acknowledged that post-surgery recovery might not always be smooth and that there could be minor hurdles. However, he emphasized that undergoing surgery is often a last-resort option after conservative healing methods have been exhausted.
Balaji also highlighted the significant adjustments that players must make when returning to the field after a surgery-induced break. He mentioned that resuming play and regaining form after surgery could be a new player experience.
“Any back surgery, it’ll have some little bit of hiccups here and there. But that is the maximum you can do. For conservative healing, if it has not healed, and you have the surgery option to take it and then come back, it’s the last stage… So, everything will be new (for him), and again, there will be challenges, but that is what makes individuals perform higher,” Balaji said by Sportstar.
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While the challenges of returning from surgery are undeniable, Balaji believes overcoming such hurdles ultimately contributes to an individual’s growth and performance. The journey to recovery is characterized by perseverance, determination, and the will to excel despite obstacles.
India squad for Ireland T20Is: Jasprit Bumrah (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson (wk), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Ravi Bishnoi, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan
