Jasprit Bumrah made a triumphant return to international cricket on Friday, leading the team to a resounding T20I victory over Ireland in the inaugural match of the three-game series in Dublin. In a match hampered by rain, Bumrah's remarkable impact was evident from the outset, as he picked two crucial wickets in his maiden over. A brilliant display from the Indian bowling attack – that comprised of Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, and Shivam Dube in addition to Bumrah – played a pivotal role in curtailing Ireland's innings to 139/7. In the run-chase, India reached 47/2 in 6.5 overs before the weather eventually intervened, forcing a halt in the proceedings.
As the rain-imposed hiatus continued, India's fortunes aligned with the Duckworth-Lewis (DLS) method, as the side eventually emerged victors by just 2 runs in Dublin. Bumrah was also named the player of the match for his composed bowling performance; he bowled 16 dot balls, registering figures of 2/24 in four overs. During the post-match presentation, Bumrah made it a point to thank the staff at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, where he underwent his recovery for many months.
Also read: Watch: Unplayable Bumrah's thunderous return to international cricket with 2 wickets in 1st over vs Ireland
“(I) felt very good. So many sessions I did at the NCA and the practice games. Didn't feel like I missed out a lot or I'm doing something new so credit to the staff there,” Bumrah said.
The Indian captain stated that there were hardly any nerves even as he made a comeback to the side, partly because he was leading the side and thus had an additional responsibility on the field as well.
{{/usCountry}}The Indian captain stated that there were hardly any nerves even as he made a comeback to the side, partly because he was leading the side and thus had an additional responsibility on the field as well.
{{/usCountry}}“Very happy to be back and always good to contribute. [Any nerves?] Not really, when you're captaining you are thinking more about the whole team and not just your own performance,” said the 29-year-old star pacer.
“Very happy that the weather was helpful for the bowlers. In every game you want more and you always search for a perfect game. Credit to them as well for keeping their nerves in a crisis.”
Bolstered pace attack
Jasprit Bumrah's comeback provides a significant lift to India's preparations for two prestigious ODI tournaments – the Asia Cup and the World Cup. His pivotal role as a India's premier pacer will remain key as India aim to end the ICC title drought – the side's last trophy at an ICC tournament came in 2013 when a Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led team lifted the Champions Trophy title.
The 29-year-old star pacer is likely to lead the Indian pace attack alongside Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, who will also make a comeback to the ODI team for the first time since March earlier this year.