India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has stepped up his preparations for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, taking part in the full squad’s training session in New Delhi ahead of Sunday’s opener.
Bumrah’s return is significant for Afghanistan because the 32-year-old had been named in India’s squad subject to fitness clearance after spending roughly two months away following a knee injury on the tour of England.
Reports from Friday’s practice said Bumrah bowled with a shortened run-up and appeared comfortable at the nets. His involvement gives India another high-level pace option alongside Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana as India prepare for Afghanistan’s batting lineup.
The BCCI confirmed on September 1 that Bumrah was included in the 15-player squad for the Afghanistan series subject to fitness clearance. The board’s published schedule has the first T20I set for September 13 in Delhi, followed by matches at the same venue on September 15 and 17.
For Afghanistan, the immediate challenge will be adapting quickly to India’s varied attack. Bumrah’s ability to operate with the new ball and at the death could influence how Afghanistan structure their batting phases in the opening match.
Sources: BCCI; Times of India.
