Jasprit Bumrah's rehabilitation is progressing well, but the India pacer's availability for the upcoming Afghanistan T20I series remains uncertain, according
to reports. While Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy are reportedly back to full fitness and Washington Sundar is closing in on a return, Bumrah is being handled cautiously following his knee injury.
India are due to play three T20Is against Afghanistan from September 13, with all three matches scheduled in New Delhi. The selectors are expected to meet this week to finalise the squad.
Jasprit Bumrah's Rehabilitation Progressing
Bumrah has been training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru as he continues his recovery from a left-knee injury.
The 32-year-old missed India's two-Test series against Sri Lanka earlier this month and does not yet have a confirmed return date. According to a source cited in the report, the management is prioritising his long-term fitness rather than rushing him back for the Afghanistan series.
"Bumrah is progressing well," the source said.
His workload is being closely monitored, with the management now considering a return through the shortest format before he takes on a heavier workload in Tests and ODIs.
Afghanistan T20Is Could Come Too Soon
Bumrah could potentially return for the Afghanistan T20Is, but the three-match series is considered a tight timeline for his comeback.
The source described his availability as "touch-and-go" and said the Asian Games are a more realistic target, provided there are no setbacks during his rehabilitation.
The cautious approach comes with the 2027 World Cup cycle in mind. Bumrah had initially been expected to focus primarily on Tests and ODIs as India build towards the tournament, but his knee injury has prompted the team management to reconsider the sequence of his return.
The plan now is to ease him back into international cricket through T20Is before increasing his workload.
Hardik Pandya, Nitish Reddy Boost India
India have received better news on the all-rounder front.
Hardik Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy are reportedly fit and available for selection after spending an extended period at the Centre of Excellence.
Reddy has been training extensively in Bengaluru and is operating at full capacity, according to the report. Pandya has also been preparing at the facility after a disrupted rehabilitation programme.
Pandya's return would be particularly significant for India's T20I balance given his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
Washington Sundar Also Nearing Return
Washington Sundar is another player being considered for the Afghanistan series.
The all-rounder has gradually increased his workload and is expected to return to the Centre of Excellence this week for another fitness assessment. The selectors view the Afghanistan T20Is as a practical target for his comeback.
With Bumrah's return still uncertain, Sundar's availability would provide India with another option as the team begins preparations for the next phase of its white-ball calendar.
For Bumrah, however, the priority remains clear: **return fully fit rather than return quickly**. If his rehabilitation continues without complications, the Asian Games are currently considered a more likely stage for his comeback.
