Madras Times - Fit-again Bumrah needs game time, says India skipper Iyer

Bumrah was added to the Indian squad for the Afghanistan series at New Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium, starting Sunday, but needed fitness clearance to play.

The pace spearhead bowled full steam in training on Friday and looks set to make the XI in the opener.

"He has played so much cricket over the years. He is immensely experienced but at the end of the day, if you would ask me as an individual who is coming out of an injury, I would want more game time and more confidence leading up to a certain tournament," Iyer told reporters.

"I interacted with him yesterday and he is in that mindset where he wants to come and perform for the team and see to it that we win championships."

The 32-year-old Bumrah has not bowled since the second one-day international of the England series in Cardiff on July 16 due to an impact injury.

Bumrah's return is eagerly awaited and Afghanistan captain Ibrahim Zadran said his team is ready to tackle the fast bowler.

"He is one of the best, he is my favourite fast bowler," said Zadran.

"We as a group never complicate things for ourselves. We have a very good plan for him. Hopefully we can play better cricket against Jasprit Bumrah and the Indian cricket team."

Afghanistan, who have long used India and the United Arab Emirates as home venues, will officially be the hosts for the series.

India have a difficult selection decision to make in the top-order, with Iyer admitting it will be a "tough call" to choose between Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

"All three of them, having them in the team is a luxury first of all, and they are flawless in their own departments," said Iyer.

"Well, it is going to be a tight call because they have been performing consistently. And see, whoever gets the opportunity, it's definitely for the team's benefit."

J.Khan--MT