Jasprit Bumrah doubtful for 2023 ODI World Cup

Jasprit Bumrah. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

India could be handed with a major blow as pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss the 2023 ODI World Cup. The premier pacer has not played competitive cricket since September 2022 owing to a back injury.

Since then, Bumrah has been on the sidelines, missing the home series againsr South Africa series as well as the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. The 29-year-old is also set to miss the forthcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the World Test Championship final (assuming India qualifies).

As per the latest developments, Bumrah could be out of action for at least six months which keeps him in doubt for the ODI World Cup. The recurring niggles on his lower back has prompted the BCCI medical staff to suggest the option of surgery to ensure his recovery for the mega ICC event. This would also mean that the pacer is likely to be out of the squad for the Asia Cup as well, which will be played prior to the World Cup.

“Bumrah has been ruled out of the IPL as he will take another six months to come back. Even then, he might or might not make a comeback. The 50-over World Cup is the target, but that is also not guaranteed,” the BCCI source was quoted as saying by India Today.

BCCI to decide next steps soon

Bumrah was recently gearing up for his much-awaited return to competitive cricket as he underwent match-simulation workloads at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. He underwent the process in order to obtain the green signal from the NCA to participate in matches starting with the IPL.

However, as per the latest reports, the NCA medical staff believes that surgery would be the best course of action. The BCCI will soon decide the next steps and could release an official statement on the pacer. The ODI World Cup is scheduled to be held in October-November in India.