Jasprit Bumrah unavailable for Asia ODI Series tie against Nepal

Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah will be unavailable for the upcoming Asia ODI series match against Nepal, on Monday. Bumrah flew back home from Sri Lanka citing personal reasons, but is expected to return for the Super Fours, should the men in blue qualify. 

Bumrah, who recently returned to action after a long standing back injury, is yet to bowl in an ODI in the lead-up to the highly anticipated World Series the following month. Last week he made his ODI comeback, but couldn’t bowl, as India’s opening tie against Pakistan was washed out before Pakistan could begin the run chase. In total. Bumrah has only made two T20I appearances against Ireland since his comeback, bowling a combined eight overs and securing four wickets across both the matches, and was adjourned the Player of the Series. 

Bumrah will potentially enter the showpiece event undercooked, as he has enjoyed little to no gametime in the one dayers. He will have a tough task of bowling out his ten overs without sustaining any injury. This is one of the issues which Indian commentator and former batter Sanjay Manjrekar had also underlined ahead of the Asia ODI Series. 

Bumrah last bowled his entire quota of ten overs in an ODI back in July 2022. 

The washout against Pakistan has put India in a must win situation against Nepal on Monday. Rain could once again interrupt play at Pallekele and although the Super Four ties are scheduled to be held at Colomo, there is a tiny possibility of rain ruining action.