Ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah will likely return in the last two Tests of the upcoming four-match series against Australia, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma said.
The 29-year-old who hasn't played international cricket since September due to his lower back stress fracture is not in the India squad for the first two Tests. He, however, has returned to practice at the National Cricket Academy nets, raising hopes of a comeback in the near future.
While speaking at the post-match press conference after leading India to a 3-0 ODI series sweep over New Zealand, Rohit said, 'Not too sure about Bumrah, I am hoping he plays last two Tests against Australia, we don't want to take any risks with him as back injuries are always critical. We have a lot of cricket coming back after that also.'
'We are in constant touch with physios and doctors in NCA. The medical team will give him as much time as he wants,; he added.
The Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will begin on February 9 in Nagpur.
The skipper also lashed out at the reporters who questioned him about scoring a century after 3 years. The 35-year-old in response said that he had only played 12-13 ODIs and you exaggerate it by looking at numbers through the lens of years.
He also praised Gill and explained why Gill was chosen as an opener over Ishan Kishan. 'Even after Ishan scored a double hundred, Gill has been more consistent and is averaging over 70'