Former India cricketer Madan Lal passed a rather blunt remark on Jasprit Bumrah as he backed Umesh Yadav to feature in India’s squad, assuming the side qualifies for the ICC World Test Championship Final.
“They will take Umesh (to the WTC final). There you need at least 3 pacers so, only one spinner might play and the rest will be fast bowlers. Bumrah ko ab bhool jao. Usko chhor dijiye aap (Forget Bumrah. Leave him out of the equation). When Bumrah returns, we will see then. Use whatever you have. What is the guarantee? No wonder when he will return – maybe in 1 to 1.5 years. He has not played in so long. It means his injury is very serious,” said the 71-year-old on Sports Tak.
“At max, an injury takes 3 months to heal and he hasn’t played since September – even Hardik Pandya was able to return in 4 months post his back surgery – and Bumrah hasn’t played since 6 months. So, how can you expect that this will be the same Bumrah that we have seen so far? It will take him time. If you want to see the same Bumrah, you will have to give him time,” he added.