The world won't end if Jasprit Bumrah doesn't play seven IPL games, he's an Indian player first: Aakash Chopra

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed his thoughts on Mumbai Indians (MI) wanting a comeback of their pace spearhead and current India cricketer Jasprit Bumrah, amidst talks of him maintaining his fitness. Jasprit Bumrah has been out of cricketing action for a lengthy period of time now, due to his recurring back injuries.

There are two mega ICC events coming up this year- the World Test Championship which is scheduled to be played in June at The Oval, and the ODI World Cup which is scheduled to be played in India. Team India would be wanting the 29-year-old to be in good shape to be able to play both these important tournaments.

"You're an Indian player first and then you play for your franchise. So if Bumrah feels any discomfort, the BCCI will step in and tell the franchise that we are not going to release him. The world won't end if he doesn't play seven  IPL games with Jofra Archer," the 45-year-old said while speaking with Sportskeeda.

The former right-handed batter explained that Bumrah was firstly an Indian cricketer. He was directly answerable to the BCCI and whatever decision the BCCI would be taking with regard to his career, all other organisations were bound to maintain its sanctity and abide by it at all costs.

Bumrah is a national treasure: Chopra

He further went on state that there was just no need to create a mountain out of a molehill if Bumrah missed a few games for his franchise, because it is important for him to first maintain his fitness to serve India. Also, Mumbai Indians would have to obey the BCCI and help them in managing and examining Bumrah's road to recovery.

"At the same time, when you're fit, you want to keep on playing as that only makes you better. So I definitely feel MI will pay heed to it if BCCI steps in because he is a national treasure and things aren't as difficult to manage as they seem to be at the moment," he added.

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