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Team India pacer Jasprit Bumrah is reportedly yet to get clearance from the National Cricket Academy (NCA), where he is undergoing rehabilitation in a bid to return to full-scale action. Bumrah was not included in the squad for the final two Tests and ensuing three-match ODI series against Australia, the latter of which is slated to take place in March.
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the right-arm speedster has partaken in a couple of practice matches. The coaches are keen on the idea of increasing the intensity of his recovery progress, which is where the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) comes into the equation.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will reportedly not hold the bowler back from representing the Mumbai Indians (MI). But a free hand is unlikely to be given either, and his workload is set to be closely monitored.
The report further states that it remains to be seen how the five-time IPL champions view the prospect of Bumrah being constantly monitored during the upcoming season. MI would be eager to put their best foot forward in 2023, considering that they finished bottom of the table in 2022.
During the BCCI's last annual general meeting, a notion was floated for the coaches at the NCA to work closely with IPL franchises to monitor the players' workload. While other Indian players in the competition will be subjected to that too, an even keener eye is set to be placed on Bumrah.
Bumrah last played for India in September 2022
The pacer's last competitive appearance came during the home series against Australia. He was subsequently ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2022.
While Bumrah was included in the squad for the white-ball series against Sri Lanka at home, he was withdrawn soon after as he still felt stiffness while bowling in the nets.
The IPL seems like the next avenue where Bumrah could make his comeback. But with franchises playing at least 14 matches in a short span of time, aggravating the injury is a potential fear for the BCCI - especially with the World Test Championship (WTC) final and the ODI World Cup approaching.
How many matches will the pacer play in IPL 2023? Let us know what you think.
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