EXCLUSIVE
Sir Curtly Ambrose on Jasprit Bumrah’s return to international cricket.
“Bumrah should take things gradually and not go a little slow at the start. Once he has a few matches under his belt, he can do what he did earlier. India needs him at his best in the world cup so he has a bit of time.”
If you are an Indian cricket fan, the best news of the last few days, revealed by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, is that Jasprit Bumrah is fit. In fact, media reports have now confirmed that Bumrah has started to bowl to the Mumbai batters in the nets, and as Shah said, is all set to travel to Ireland to get some much needed match time under his belt.
A fit again Bumrah will be the best solution to India’s death bowling woes. Having said that, a comeback is never easy. Bumrah hasn’t played international cricket for close to 10 months now and it will be interesting to see how he shapes up on his return. Can he go flat out from the word go or rather should he? If he plays against Pakistan on 2 September in Kandy, can he afford to go a little slow? Will the rigours of international cricket put pressure on his body? What’s the best way for him to make a return?
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I asked each of these questions to West Indian legend, Sir Curtly Ambrose. One of the greatest of his time, Sir Curtly at his best was the toughest any batter could have faced. Here’s what Sir Curtly had to say on Bumrah’s return and what impact it could have on India’s World Cup fortunes.
Boria- We have just been told Sir Curtly that Jasprit Bumrah is fit and could be part of India’s next series. As a fast bowler yourself can you tell me how difficult it can be for him to come back from injury and how should he approach the return? Clearly there is a lot of interest and expectation from Indian fans.
Curtly Ambrose- Jasprit Bumrah is a fine bowler and if he returns to the Indian team it will add a lot of depth and variety to the Indian attack. And his presence in the world cup will make India one of the favorites on home soil. He will bowl at the death and that’s what you need. It is an art and Bumrah knows how to do it well. He has done it with success all his career and I am sure he would want to do that in front of his home crowd. Having said that, a comeback is never easy. Jasprit should go a little slow in the early stages. My advice to him will be go gradually. Take moderate steps. If he starts to bowl full steam from the very first match it isn’t the best way to go about it. He should give himself time to get back to full pace and take it a little slow on his return. That’s how he can get back to his best. India will need him at his best in the world cup so he has time. Pacing the comeback is going to be important. However much he bowls in training, match situations are different and in matches he shouldn’t rush himself to bowl like he used to. Once he has a few matches under his belt, he can do what he did before the injury.