Indian cricket has been missing the fire that the two certain ace cricketers add to the India national cricket team. Both Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are getting back to their form under the watchful eyes of the NCA professionals. However, speaking on the matter, Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene said that the two cricketers are much more valuable to India team than the IPL franchise.
Bumrah attained a back injury a few months ago during the West Indies tour of India in August, it was the last time he wore the blue jersey. However, he is now back on track and recovering quickly from the injury and is recently seen bowling at the Indian team’s nets ahead of the second ODI in Visakhapatnam.
On the other hand, Pandya is also almost healed from the back surgery that he went through in early October this year. The prolific allrounder had to undergo surgery due to the back issue that had been ruled him out of cricket for an indefinite period. However, he successfully underwent surgery in London and is now hitting the nets at the MCA facility in suburban Bandra-Kurla complex.
More than for Mumbai Indians, Bumrah and Pandya are more valuable for Indian national team: Jayawardene
Nevertheless, the two cricketers are expected to be back for the two upcoming home assignments of Kohli-led team Indian team. Speaking on this, the head coach of MI, Mahela Jayawardene suspects both Bumrah and Pandya to be back anytime soon. He clearly mentioned that two cricketers are “more valuable” for the Indian national cricket team than Mumbai Indians.
“Injuries happen and it is about how best they recover and these two (Hardik and Bumrah), I guess more than for Mumbai Indians, they are more valuable for Indian national team,” Jayawardene was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
Furthermore, the former Sri Lankan captain expressed his happiness to see the two cricketers back on field, hoping to see them slay the Sri Lanka and Australia series. Jayawardene expects the two to be up and back by January or February.
Jayawardene told reporters, “It’s good. He (Bumrah) has started training. He was in Vizag (Visakhapatnam) bowling to the guys (Indian players). MI staff is closely monitoring his progress.
Hardik (Pandya) is (also) making good progress (I’m) quite happy, hopefully, they will play the Sri Lankan series (early January) or maybe the Australian series (although) I am not sure how quickly they will be coming through. It (all) depends on the medical staff, but as long as they are playing in January- February, it’s fine,” Jayawardene said at a promotional event in Mumbai.
After the conclusion of the ongoing ODI series, India will be preparing to welcome Sri Lanka for a three-match T20I series commencing from Jan 5. Whereas, Australia will visit India for the three-match ODI series that is set to begin from Jan 14.