All Eyes On Jasprit Bumrah, India's Gen-Next Stars Ready To Shine vs Ireland

17.08.2023 - 08:35 sports.ndtv.com

Almost 11 months after he hobbled off the field, Jasprit Bumrah will be cynosure of all eyes when he leads India against Ireland as the fast bowler's fitness and rhythm will be tested in the three-match T20 International series, starting Friday.

The team is packed with India's Gen-Next IPL performers like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma but stakeholders in Indian cricket will keenly observe Bumrah, who will be key to home team's plans during the ODI World Cup starting in less than two months.

The 29-year-old Bumrah is coming back after undergoing a surgery to treat the lower-back stress fractures he had suffered during a home series against Australia ahead of T20 World Cup, last year.

He will be bowling a maximum of just 12 overs across three games over five days but this series will allow chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar, ODI captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid to get a fair idea of where the Gujarat slinger is placed in terms of match fitness.

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India captain Jasprit Bumrah on Wednesday lauded the supremely confident youngsters who contributed to the team's T20 series win in Ireland. India won the series 2-0 after the third T20 was abandoned due to rain. The series also marked a much-awaited comeback of Bumrah from a back surgery. "Very happy to be back and play some cricket. Frustrating when you're waiting for a game to happen. Did not see this coming, weather was fine in the morning. An honour to lead the side, everyone was very eager and enthusiastic. Whenever you get an opportunity to lead your side, anyone would love to do that.

India-Ireland 3rd T20I Called-off Due To Rain, Jasprit Bumrah-Led Side Clinches Series 2-0

The third T20I between India and Ireland scheduled for Wednesday at Dublin was called off due to rain without a ball being bowled. With this, India has captured the series 2-0. The rain was such that both teams could not even get the opportunity to toss the coin and decide who would bat or bowl first. In the first T20I, India won by two runs as per Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. India had reduced the home side to just 139/7 in 20 overs after opting to bowl first.

India vs Ireland 3rd T20I, Live Cricket Score: India Aim For Clean Sweep vs Ireland

India vs Ireland, 3rd T20I, Live Updates: India will take on Ireland in the third and final T20I match on Wednesday in Dublin. The Jasprit Bumrah-led side has taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series and will aim for a clean sweep in the final match.

Watch: "Saari Baatein Sunta Hai Captain Ki?" - Jasprit Bumrah's Hilarious Interaction With Rinku Singh Viral

It was a memorable game for Rinku Singh on Sunday as he batted for the first time for the Indian cricket team. The southpaw made his debut in the rain-hit first T20I against Ireland but he got a chance to bat only in the second game. The hard-hitting batter played a vital knock of 21-ball 38 runs in Dublin. Rinku's cameo gave India's innings a much-needed spark, and his 28-ball 55-run stand with Shivam Dube (22 not out) helped India end with a flourish.

Jasprit Bumrah Continues To Impress On Return, Equals World Record Feat In T20Is

Jasprit Bumrah has been quite impressive for the Indian cricket team since his return from injury and he was once again among wickets as his side registered a second consecutive win on Sunday. Bumrah, who is also the skipper for the ongoing T20I series against Ireland, took two wickets for just 15 runs and even produced a brilliant display of death-over bowling. The 29-year-old bowled the final over of the Ireland innings and did not concede a single run. It was the 10th maiden over bowled by Bumrah in T20Is – the joint-highest by any bowler in the format. He equalled the record held by compatriot Bhuvneshwar Kumar but he took 25 matches less to achieve the impressive feat.

"If He Is Able To Do That...": Ex-India Coach's Timely Advice For Jasprit Bumrah

Star India pacer Jasprit Bumrah returned to action on Friday after being on the sidelines for nearly 11 months due to a back issue. Bumrah, who successfully underwent a surgery earlier this year in New Zealand, returned to India colours during the first T20I against Ireland on Friday. On his return to the side, Bumrah, who is the captain for the tour, led from the front as India defeated Ireland by two runs via DLS method. Bumrah returned figures of 2/24 and was named 'Man of the Match'.