Having endured the toughest season of the Indian Premier League in his career, the Indian pace Jasprit Bumrah has started preparations to return to international cricket.The star footballer shared a little while training with the red ball on Instagram, showing the start of his preparations for the second important half of the season. Bumrah is expected to return to India for the three-match ODI series against England, starting on July 14, before turning his attention to the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in August.Bumrah was rested for the T20I series against Ireland and England as part of India’s management strategy. He also skipped the one-match Test against Afghanistan, a match that was not part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle. However, the premier pacer has been selected in India’s ODI squad for England and is also in the squad for the Asian Games later this year.
A forgettable IPL campaign
While Bumrah is still one of the fastest bowlers in the world, the 2026 IPL has led to a tough competition. Representation Mumbai IndiansThe right-hander managed just four wickets in 13 matches at an average of 102.50 and an economy rate of 8.36, with excellent figures of 1/15. Statistically, it was the worst IPL season of his career, which left the batsman desperate to regain his national anthem.
Back to ODI Cricket after almost three years
The upcoming ODI series against England will mark Bumrah’s return to the 50-over format for the first time since the ODI World Cup final against Australia on November 19, 2023. His inclusion ends a 968-day absence from ODI cricket, a break largely driven by India’s careful management of his career in all formats.Despite his long layoff from ODIs, Bumrah continued to shine in international cricket. He played a key role in India’s World Cup triumph in the ICC T20, finishing as the tournament’s top wicket-taker with 14 wickets in eight innings at an average of 12.42 and a strike rate of 6.21. His win in the 4/15 final against New Zealand earned him the Player of the Match award and underlined his importance in India’s lackluster attack.
Eyes on the World Test Championship
Once the ODI series ends, Bumrah’s goal will reach its longest streak as India begin another important chapter in their World Test Championship campaign.India will face Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series from August 15 to 27. The opening Test will be played at the Galle International Stadium, while the second Test will be held at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground. With the all-important points of the World Test Championship on offer, Bumrah’s return to the top level could be crucial to India’s ambitions in the new tournament.
