'Let’s not get carried away' - Saba Karim on Jasprit Bumrah’s return from injury layoff

Former Indian selector Saba Karim has advised Jasprit Bumrah to not get ‘carried away’ since his return to the national side after an injury that kept him on the sidelines.

The former wicketkeeper had previously questioned Bumrah’s lack of fitness and felt that he shouldn't have been in the squad if he wasn't fit. Moreover, now Karim is of the opinion that one can get carried away as the management would require the pace bowlers to deliver in an effective manner.

However, Karim enunciated that the player can be ‘extremely effective’ if he gets back to form in due time. After the series win against Australia at home, team India face yet another tricky challenge from South Africa that will be played on September 28. The series will prove to be a good warm up for the player to regain his confidence and get back to top form.

Saba Karim speaks on Bumrah’s form

As a former selector, Karim understands the dynamics and knows when the player is deemed to represent the squad. Speaking exclusively on SPORTS18, Karim expressed his concerns but subtly backed the Indian pacer ahead of the World Cup.

“That is true, but at times we just tend to get carried away and want pacer bowlers to deliver in a very effective manner in all the T20 formats - it is not going to happen. The entire format is based so much on unpredictability. So, in one game you may have a very good outing, second game some of the batters may get after you. What is more important is that particular bowler is supposed to have faith in his skill and abilities. So, one can see that in Jasprit Bumrah.

Karim also spoke about the injury lay off endured by the right-arm pacer and backed him to return to form during the ‘right time’.

"I can understand that he’s coming back after a long layoff and may take some time to settle down but let’s not get carried away, Jasprit Bumrah in all the games that he will play will be extremely effective – so that may not happen. Having said that, I do believe Jasprit Bumrah, the kind of bowling combination they have right now, and Harshal Patel also, both of them can come good at the right time for India,” said Karim.