The BCCI have offered injury updates regarding several of their sidelined cricketers, including giving progress reports for Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant.
In a media release ahead of the second day of the ongoing West Indies v India Trinidad Test, the BCCI gave an update on five players currently undergoing rehabilitation at Bengaluru’s National Cricket Academy.
The updates are as follows:
Rishabh Pant
Last international game: December 22-25, 2022 (Test v Bangladesh)
Major injury: Three ligament tears in the knee following a car accident
BCCI update: “He has made significant progress in his rehabilitation and has commenced batting as well as keeping in the nets. He is currently following a fitness programme designed for him which includes strength, flexibility and running.”
In a recent social media post, Pant was seen lifting weights, suggesting the wicketkeeper is on his way to recovery. The update on him returning to the field is a significant step in his return to full fitness.
Jasprit Bumrah
Last competitive game: September 25, 2022 (T20I v Australia)
Major injury: Stress-related back injury
BCCI update: “The two fast bowlers [Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna] are in the final stages of their rehab and are bowling with full intensity in the nets. The duo will now play some practice games, which the NCA will organise. The BCCI Medical Team is pleased with their progress and will make a final decision after assessing them following the practice games.”
A recent social media clip of Bumrah bowling at near full-intensity came as a welcome relief for fans, who could see him in action soon as Bumrah makes significant strides in his rehabilitation. He could be eyeing a return via the Ireland T20Is next month, or the Asia Cup that follows.
KL Rahul
Last competitive game: May 1, 2023 (IPL)
Major injury: Hip flexor injury
BCCI update: “They [KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer] have resumed batting in the nets and are currently undergoing strength and fitness drills. The BCCI Medical Team is satisfied with their progress and will increase their intensity in terms of both skills and strength and conditioning in the coming days.”
Rahul, too, recently posted a clip of himself resuming light batting at the indoor facility at the NCA. Recent reports suggested that he has been ruled out of the Asia Cup, and might be eyeing a comeback closer to the World Cup.
KL Rahul has resumed batting. pic.twitter.com/hUbg8FPEjH
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 17, 2023
Shreyas Iyer
Last competitive game: March 9 to 13, 2023 (Test v Australia)
Major injury: Impinged nerve caused by a bulged disc in his lower back
BCCI update: Same as Rahul.
Iyer, who missed the IPL and World Test Championship final due to the injury, travelled overseas for a back surgery, and could be eyeing a return during the Ireland tour.
Prasidh Krishna
Last competitive game: August 20, 2022 (ODI v Zimbabwe)
Major injury: Lumbar stress fracture
BCCI update: Same as Bumrah
Krishna could also be eyeing a return in the Ireland series, having not played since August last year. He was named in the India A squad against New Zealand in September, but was forced to pull out.
