Major fitness update on Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah & Nitish Reddy ahead of Afghanistan T20Is

Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah have been out of action for sometime now.

India are all set to receive a significant boost ahead of their upcoming T20I assignment against Afghanistan, with several key all-rounders closing in on a return. The three-match series begins on September 13th in Delhi and comes at an important stage as India continue to reshape their T20I squad following those humiliating defeats against Ireland and England. 

The men’s senior selection committee is expected to meet this week to select the squad for the three-match series against Afghanistan. Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy have brought good news alongside spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar. 

This would surely give the Indian team management multiple all-round options, hence adding to the team flexibility. However, the Indian selectors will have to keep their fitness as well as their workload in mind before deciding on the squad for the series.

Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy fit for Afghanistan T20Is

Both Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy, the two seam-bowling all-rounders from India, are reportedly fit and available for selection after having spent an extensive amount of time at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, as per TOI reports.

“Both Reddy and Pandya have been at the CoE for a very long time now and only take breaks for personal commitments. Reddy only goes back home during the weekends, while Pandya has anyway moved base to Bengaluru.”

The duo trained relentlessly at the BCCI Centre of Excellence and have operated at their full capacity before being declared match fit. Their return would provide India will valuable options in both departments, however, they both seem to be fighting for the same spot in the XI.

Washington Sundar’s return and Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness under focus

Washington Sundar could also use the Afghanistan series as a controlled route back into the Indian setup. His workload has reportedly been increased over recent weeks, while the TOI mentioned that he is all set to make a field comeback as he is nearing the necessary clearances.

“The practical target is the T20Is against Afghanistan, and this will allow Washington Sundar to ease back into the set-up with the shortest format. His workload has gradually increased in the last few weeks, and he could be available for selection for the three T20Is.”

Ahead of the Indian squad selection for the three-match series against Afghanistan, Sundar who spent his last week in Chennai is likely to be back at the CoE for a final fitness assessment.

However, Jasprit Bumrah’s selection still remains a major missing piece in the puzzle. The veteran pacer was recently rested for the Sri Lanka Test series, and the management is unwilling to rush him back into competitive cricket.

Bumrah, however, has been picked to be part of the Indian contingent that will play in the Asian Games in Japan, a week or two after the Afghanistan series. Despite that India will have to manage his workload wisely as they have the crucial red-ball assignments lined up against New Zealand and Australia.

Hence, the possibilities and reports from the Times of India suggest that Bumrah might be eyeing a comeback in the Asian Games. 

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