Ireland vs India: Bumrah and Prasidh never looked like they were out of practice, says India coach Kotak

India’s head coach for the Ireland tour, Sitanshu Kotak, heaped praise on Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna for their impressive comebacks, saying that the two pacers never looked out of touch and worked hard to make their return to international cricket in Ireland.

Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, made an impressive comeback after an 11-month hiatus due to a back injury. His return was marked by a stellar performance in the first T20I against Ireland on August 18, 2023. Bumrah picked up two wickets for just 24 runs in his four overs, leading India to victory in the series opener. His exceptional bowling performance earned him the Player of the Match award, making him the first Indian player to win this accolade on his T20I captaincy debut.

He continued to impress in the second T20I, where he claimed another two wickets, conceding only 15 runs in his four overs. His disciplined bowling performance played a crucial role in helping India seal the series with a match to spare.

Prasidh, who was also out for a long while due to back injury, has cranked up pace in Ireland, picking up 4 wickets in 2 matches so far.

Sitanshu Kotak, speaking to the press on the eve of the 3rd T20I in Dublin, said that both Prasidh and Bumrah need more game time before the World Cup.

Both the pacers have been named in India’s 17-man Asia Cup squad.

“Not really (any) pressure, I would say. They (Bumrah and Prasidh) were at the NCA for their RTPs (return to play) and strength and all. They are very smart; they never looked like they did not get a game, or were out of practice. They looked ready in practice,” Kotak told the media here.

“It is just that these guys need more game time before the World Cup. They will get three games in this series and (also) a few matches in the Asia Cup,” he added.

NO CHANGES IN 3rd T20I? Predicted XIs

India have sealed the 3-match series with an unbeatable 2-0 lead and the 3rd T20I could have been an ideal platform to test the bench strengh.

India have JItesh Sharma waiting for his international debut. Avesh Khan has warmed the benches for 7 successive T20Is while Mukesh Kumar has also not got a chance in Ireland along with Shahbaz Ahmed.

However, Kotak said changes to the playing eleven are unlikely.

“We will discuss the team in the evening, but if there is a possibility of giving them an opportunity, we will give. “It is a short series; the first was a half-game in a way. If we have to give an opportunity to someone, we will have to drop another — it is difficult to rest someone after giving just one match.

“Normally in a five-match series we try that everybody gets a game or two. We have only three matches here — half of one game got rained off — it is difficult to leave out those who are playing,” he said.