IND vs IRE: Jasprit Bumrah And Prasidh Krishna Need More Game Time: India Coach's Warning Ahead Of World Cup

Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna’s return to action has excited everyone in the Indian cricket fraternity. Both the fast bowlers were sidelined for nearly a year with back injuries before returning to action in the ongoing T20I series against Ireland.

Jasprit Bumrah had not played an international game or competitive game since September last year. On the other hand, Prasidh Krishna had last played for India in August 2022 before he and Jasprit Bumrah returned to action last week.

Both bowlers have also hit the ground running in international cricket. Jasprit Bumrah was the Man of the Match in the first T20I after picking up 2 wickets for 24 runs. He did even better in the second game where he picked up 2 wickets for just 15 runs and also bowled a maiden over. Prasidh Krishna also picked up 2 wickets in each of the first two games.

Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna need more time:

While Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna have made an impressive comeback to international cricket, India’s head coach for the Ireland tour Sitanshu Kotak has said that both bowlers need more game time to be at their best. He stated that both the pacers will need to play a few more games to be ready for the World Cup.

“They were at the National Cricket Academy for their RTPs (return to play) and strength and all. They are very smart; they never looked like they did not get a game, or were out of practice. They looked ready in practice,” Kotak said during a media conference ahead of the third T20I.

“It is just that these guys need more game time before the World Cup. They will get three games in this series and (also) a few matches in the Asia Cup,” he added.

The pacers were recently named in the India squad for the upcoming Asia Cup and if everything goes well, they are set to be named in the World Cup squad as well. Speaking further, Kotak also spoke about Tilak Varma’s surprising dip in form in the ongoing tour. With Varma getting out for 0 and 1 in the first two games, Kotak said:

“He just wanted to practice. He talked about his mindset, his shot selection and it was a normal discussion on what I think and what his plans are. On tours, if anything, we talk more about tactics. He spoke about how to build his innings and how he should approach the last game.

“We do not speak much on technical aspects unless the player requires it and provided there is enough time. I do not think you can change a player technically during a series, within a week or two-three days,” he added.

The third and final game of the series is scheduled to be played on Wednesday (August 23). India have already sealed the series by winning the first two games.