Bumrah set for T20I return but needs game time, says Iyer

Jasprit Bumrah is set to return for India's T20I side against Afghanistan in the first match on Sunday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, marking his comeback after an injury layoff. Captain Shreyas Iyer stated that the fast bowler needs regular game time and confidence to regain match sharpness following his absence. Bumrah was included in the squad subject to fitness clearance after missing recent international fixtures due to a recurring left-knee injury. He bowled at full intensity during India's training sessions in Delhi and appears likely to feature in the opening T20I. Speaking ahead of the series opener, Iyer emphasized the importance of competitive cricket for players returning from injury. "As a player who comes out of an injury, it's important that he gets game time. You need that sort of confidence when you're coming into the game," Iyer said. "He has played so much cricket over the years and is immensely experienced. But if you ask me as an individual coming out of an injury, I would want more game time and confidence leading up to a tournament.