Bumrah's T20I Return: India's Pace Spearhead Re-energized After Year-Long Absence

India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is set to make his T20I return after over a year in the Asia Cup 2025. Bumrah, who last featured in a T20I game in the final of the T20 World Cup 2024, will be playing in the continental tournament, which features a total of 8 nations.

The pace spearhead is coming off a month-long rest where he spent time with his family. Before that, he played 3 of the 5 Test matches against England. Speaking after India's first training session, Bumrah said that he was glad to be back in the T20I fray and that he feels re-energised after his time at home.

"It feels really good to join the T20 group after a long time. This three-week window was really good, got some time at home," Jasprit Bumrah said in a BCCI video.

The fast bowler will have the support of Arshdeep Singh, who has slowly turned into India's best T20I pacer. Arshdeep will be hungry to get the coveted 100th T20I wicket, a feat that no Indian has achieved before. Speaking through the BCCI video, Arshdeep said that it was all fun and games now in training, but the team will get serious as the matchday comes closer.

"It is a lively environment. Laughter and banter going around and it's day one so we will get into it. By the time we play the first match we will have full intensity," he said.

India are being led by Suryakumar Yadav, who has taken over Rohit Sharma's World Cup-winning side. Suryakumar's India have played the game without fear and are expected to be heavy favourites in the tournament.

"To have such a brilliant bunch around with unbelievable skill sets, I always have a smile on my face when I see those boys on the ground," Suryakumar Yadav said.

The captain is himself returning after a sports hernia operation and focus will be on how he performs in the first game.

India play Pakistan, UAE and Oman in the group stage.