Wanted to return fresh and hungry, says Jasprit Bumrah

Guwahati: Ace India pacer Jasprit Bumrah will be making a comeback on the field after a four-month break due to a stress fracture, but the 26-year-old feels it wasn't a difficult period for him. The pacer said that there was 'no pain' and he utilized the time away from the game to work on his strength and conditioning.

The Virat Kohli-led team will take on Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the three-match rubber and Bumrah is likely to find a place in the playing XI. Speaking to bcci.tv on the long break, Bumrah said: "It was not difficult for me as I was never in pain. Not even for a single day. I took it as an opportunity to build my strength.

"I was always keeping a track on what is happening so when you are back in the team, you shouldn't be too far away."

Bumrah also felt that playing all three formats continuously affected his fitness and as a result, the break was necessary. "When you play continuously, your strength level goes down. Your fitness level can also go down a little bit. So I was looking at how to bring the strength back, how to improve upon the things I wanted to improve.

"So take some time off and return fresh. Be hungry again. So all these things were on top of my mind. I am not looking too far ahead. I wanted to take one match at a time," expressed Bumrah. IANS

Also Read: T20I: Jasprit Bumrah seen in full tilt at nets ahead of India vs Sri Lanka

Also Watch: Team India captain Virat Kohli addresses media ahead T20 match in Guwahati