Jasprit Bumrah is not like Harshal Patel, he could have returned directly at T20 World Cup: Danish Kaneria

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria criticized the Indian medical team and management for rushing Jasprit Bumrah’s comeback from injury in the recent T20I series against Australia. The speedster had suffered a back stress fracture and complained of pain during the practice session at the Greenfield Stadium ahead of the first T20I against South Africa. 

After an assessment from the medical team, it was reported that the 28-year-old will need four to six months of recovery time which is a big blow to the Indian team. With Ravindra Jadeja already missing from the squad due to injury, Bumrah’s absence has brought about a big loophole in the bowling attack. Speaking on the same, Kaneria felt that Bumrah could have been rested until the ICC event.  

Danish Kaneria questions medical team’s role

Kaneria mentioned that Bumrah is not a Harshal Patel who might take time to find his rhythm and stated he could have been back for the T20 World Cup straight away. He went on to explain how Bumrah has been playing with injuries in IPL but hailed the BCCI for managing his workload. However, he concluded with a question mark on medical team’s role and wondered if they had taken the call on Bumrah's return a little bit earlier than ideal. 

"It would have been better if he had returned directly at the T20 World Cup 2022. He could have played in practice matches to get back into rhythm. He is not like Harshal Patel or any other bowler who would need a lot of time to get back into the groove,” Kaneria said on his YouTube channel. 

"There are issues with Jasprit Bumrah's back once again. While he is prone to injuries, he has always played all the matches in the IPL. The BCCI and the team management have looked after him well, giving him enough rest. However, it remains to be seen if the medical team were sure that he was ready to return," he added.