Shastri urges India to learn from Pakistan's mistake with Shaheen Afridi

Former Indian head coach, Ravi Shastri, has expressed caution regarding the recovery of Jasprit Bumrah, India's premier fast bowler, ahead of the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup. Recent reports have suggested that Bumrah will be ready to participate in India's T20Is against Ireland in August. However, Shastri believes that India should learn from Pakistan's mistake with Shaheen Afridi and proceed with caution.

Shastri, recognizing Bumrah's immense significance to the Indian cricket team, emphasized the need to avoid rushing him back for the World Cup. He highlighted the potential risks involved in hastening Bumrah's return, as it could lead to a long-term absence from the game, similar to what happened with Shaheen Afridi.

"He (Bumrah) is a very important cricketer. But if you rush him for the World Cup then you might lose him for four months later on, much like Shaheen Afridi. So there's a thin line and it needs to be thought about," Shastri said.

Afridi faced a series of setbacks in his recovery from a ligament injury in his right knee. The injury occurred during a dive on the boundary in Galle during a Test match against Sri Lanka. Afridi encountered additional obstacles following his initial injury, which included re-injuring his knee during the T20 World Cup final in 2022. As a result, he had to miss the home Test season against England and New Zealand.

However, after an absence of almost a year, the left-arm pacer is set to represent Pakistan again in Test cricket. He has been named in Pakistan's squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in July.

Expressing his pleasure to be back in the Test side, Shaheen said: “I am very excited to be returning to the Pakistan Test side after a year. I dearly missed Test cricket and it was tough for me to be away from this format.

“After missing our entire home season because of the injury I suffered in Sri Lanka, I am eager to make an impactful comeback in the same country and complete a century of wickets in Test cricket. I want to thank my fans who have provided me support in tough times and I am ready for the challenges ahead.”