T20 World Cup 2022: He is not like Harshal Patel – Danish Kaneria questions Indian team management’s call for rushing Jasprit Bumrah’s return

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has questioned Indian team management’s call for rushing Jasprit Bumrah’s return following his back injury. It was reported by PTI on Thursday that Bumrah is being ruled out of the T20 World Cup, which is a big blow for the team.

Meanwhile, both Harshal Patel and Jasprit Bumrah missed the Asia Cup due to their respective injuries. Patel was ruled out with a side strain while Bumrah was ruled out with a back injury.

Both of these pacers made their comebacks in the three-match T20I series against Australia. While Patel played all three matches, Bumrah played the last two games against the Aussies.

Bumrah then complained of back spasm ahead of the first T20I and he was later ruled out of the T20I series. Kaneria said Bumrah is not like Harshal Patel and he shouldn’t have been rushed back after recovering from a back injury. The former leg-spinner feels it would have been better if Bumrah had returned directly at the T20 World Cup.

Kaneria said while talking on his YouTube Channel, “It would have been better if he had returned directly at the T20 World Cup 2022? He could have played in practice matches to get back into rhythm. He is not like Harshal Patel or any other bowler who would need a lot of time to get back into the groove.”

Kaneria added that Bumrah is prone to injuries and his workload should be managed with guile by the Indian board.

“There are issues with Jasprit Bumrah’s back once again. While he is prone to injuries, he has always played all the matches in the IPL. The BCCI and the team management have looked after him well, giving him enough rest. However, it remains to be seen if the medical team were sure that he was ready to return.”

Bumrah’s recurrence of injury is a massive blow to the Indian team and there is no doubt that questions will be raised on his return.

On the other hand, Bhuvneshwar Kumar hasn’t been at his best while bowling in the death overs, and Kaneria feels the team cannot rely on him.

“Bhuvneshwar Kumar has gone for plenty in his last few outings. The Indian team cannot rely on him. He won’t be useful in conditions where there is no swing on offer. You won’t get much swing in Australia and the matches are expected to be played on hard tracks. He is struggling with his form and won’t be the ideal option for death overs.”