'Aapko wahi Bumrah nazar na aaye': Ex-Pakistan pacer rings warning bells, says ‘difficult to return' after back surgery

Jasprit Bumrah's previous appearance in any format was back in September last year, when India were engaged in a T20I series against Australia.

One service that India dearly missed at the Asia Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup was of Jasprit Bumrah. The right-arm quick, who holds the reputation of being a lethal wicket-taker, was sidelined from both the tournaments due to a back problem. In the absence of Bumrah, Team India faced defeats against Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the continental tournament, while India were hammered by 10 wickets by England in the semifinals at the showpiece event in Australia.

Star India pacer Jasprit Bumrah (Getty/File Photo)

Now with Bumrah not being considered for the ongoing ODI series against Australia, reports have emerged of the pacer being sidelined for the next six months. A report by PTI mentioned that the pacer has been ruled out of the upcoming edition of Indian Premier League (IPL), and the World Test Championship (WTC), which will be played in June. The pacer also underwent a back surgery in New Zealand earlier this month.

While fans are anxiously waiting to see the “smiling assassin” back in the pitch, former Pakistan pacer Sohail Tanvir had some bad news for them. The ex-cricketer considers such injuries as major setback for any pace bowlers, and cited his example justifying his stance.

"When such major injuries happen, because I've been in the same situation. I had knee surgery, I had only played for two years, I started facing issues in my knees. I underwent surgery, and it was not managed properly, the rehab was not done well, so I know how difficult it is to return.

“Muscular injuries such as hammies (hamstring) even if it sidelines you for months, when you return your body is normal. But when you return from major injuries, for example knee or back and you've gone through a surgery, then it's very difficult. When you start playing again it takes time to regain the old rhythm," Tanvir told Sports Yaari in an interview.

The ex-Pakistan pacer also believes expecting anything out of Bumrah immediately after his return will go futile. "I'm not sure about Bumrah's situation but pacers returning after a major surgery need time to regain the old rhythm. I'm not saying pacers don't reach there, but not immediately. Woh aaya toh aapko wahi Bumrah nazar na aaye. (When Bumrah returns then you might not see the old him) Maybe it could take time,” he added.

Several experts have been under the opinion that Bumrah's slinging action exherts a lot of pressure on his back while bowling.

Meanwhile, Bumrah's previous appearance in any format was back in September last year, when India were engaged in a T20I series against Australia. He was then sent back to NCC in Bengaluru for further rehabilitation from his back problem.