"Not Only The BCCI, But Also The Selectors And NCA Support Staff Have To Be Extremely Cautious" - Saba Karim On Jasprit Bumrah’s Return

Former Indian wicketkeeper Saba Karim urged the BCCI and the selectors not to rush ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s selection in international cricket. Saba Karim highlighted that Bumrah was rushed back early in the past, which led to him not playing for India after that.

Jasprit Bumrah recently started bowling in the nets at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. The right-arm pacer last played for India in a T20I match against Australia in September last year. He is expected to make his comeback in the T20 series against Ireland.

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Bumrah Is Undergoing Rehab – Saba Karim

In an interview with Jio Cinema, Saba Karim emphasized that the NCA will make the final decision on players’ fitness standards as the centrally contracted players undergo their rehabilitation there.

“The decisions are taken by the NCA support staff. The system is pretty clear that any centrally contracted player goes to NCA and the rehab process starts. Right now, Bumrah is undergoing rehab at the NCA along with Prasidh Krishna,” Karim told Jio Cinema.

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Bumrah Was Rushed Back Too Quickly – Saba Karim

The 55-year-old stated that proper communication should be maintained between the selection committee and the team management, citing past experiences.

“Whatever transpired in the past, there was some lack of communication either between the selectors or demands of the team management. Maybe that was one reason why Bumrah was rushed back too quickly,” he added.

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Karim believes that Jasprit Bumrah should play a few practice matches before returning to the national cricket team, given the 2023 World Cup later this year.

“This time around, keeping the World Cup in mind, not only the BCCI, but also the selectors and NCA support staff have to be extremely cautious. That is why even though he is match fit; they want him to play some of these NCA practice matches.”

“Right now, the NCA support staff feels that it is better if they organise some practice matches for him so that slowly, he can be eased into the national setup. Maybe they are trying to get him ready for the Ireland series,” he concluded.

The Men in Blue will take on Ireland in the three-match T20I series, which is scheduled to be held from August 18 to 23 at the Village in Dublin. The selectors are considering the possibility of picking a young team for the series.