‘Everyone was waiting to see him’ – Ravi Bishnoi reflects on Jasprit Bumrah’s promising comeback

India spinner Ravi Bishnoi opened up on speedster Jasprit Bumrah’s return to the international circuit in the first T20I against Ireland after a long hiatus. It was roughly after 11 months that Bumrah returned to competitive action as he was confined to the sidelines owing to a recurring back injury.

Notably, the pacer decided to not force his return and missed the Indian Premier League (IPL), Asia Cup 2022, World Test Championship final as well as numerous bilateral series for team India, as he recuperated at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru following his surgery. 

While his return was eagerly awaited by the Indian cricket fans, Bumrah lived up to the expectations as he came all guns blazing, claiming two wickets for just 24 runs in his four overs at a remarkable economy of 6.00. On that note, spinner Bishnoi expressed his delight on Bumrah’s return to the setup and witnessing his impressive spell against the Irish side in the first T20I.

"The type of bowler he is, the whole world has seen his bowling. It was his first match on his comeback after a long time. His first delivery didn't work out but the five balls after that, was fun to watch. Everyone was waiting to see this Bumrah, and it was fun to watch him bowl," said Bishnoi as quoted by India Today.

In addition to Bumrah, Bishnoi and pacer Prasidh Krishna too claimed two wickets apiece to draw curtains on the rival batting innings for a paltry score of 139 runs in their 20 overs. During the run-chase, the Men in Blue managed to score 47 runs in 6.5 overs before persistent showers forced a halt in the proceedings.

With this, Bumrah-led India won the contest by two runs (DLS method). Notably, Bumrah’s promising return to the national team earned him the Player of the Match award as India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. India will look to take an unassailable lead in the second T20I which is scheduled to be played on Sunday, August 20, at the Malahide Cricket Club in Dublin.