The biggest talking point ahead of India’s T20I series against Ireland is the return of Jasprit Bumrah. The right-arm pacer, who has been named India’s captain for the three T20Is, will be playing his first competitive match since he last played for India in September last year. However, he said that he had to give his body time to recover completely and he is now going to bowl full-throttle, viewing the series as a preparation for Asia Cup and ODI World Cup 2023.

“All good, very happy to be back. Have been working very hard at the NCA. It’s been a long road but yeah, very happy to be back. I’m looking forward to it,” Bumrah told the media on the eve of the first T20I in Dublin.

“There are certain things which are not in your hands. You have to respect your body and give it time to recover. But what it does is makes you hungry. I understood the moment my body recovered, I could do that little bit extra. I’m not holding back. I have had many net sessions. Not just at NCA even back home with the Gujarat team. I have no restrictions. The body feels good,” he said.

Bumrah admitted that the injury was frustrating but he was confident that he would be able to make a comeback.

“When your injury takes it becomes frustrating at times. But instead of having self-doubts and thinking that I won’t be able to come back. I respected my body. I never thought I am finished or these are my dark days. I was always positive and focussing on the process to get back to the game I love,” he said.

The first of the three-match series will be played on August 18 (Friday) with the second and the third T20Is set to be played at the same venue on August 20 and August 23 respectively.