Jasprit Bumrah is in good shape, sharp, and ready to take on the field, but with caution. The star pacer returns to international cricket after an 11-month absence. He attempted a comeback in the T20I series against Australia last September but was ruled out after only two matches. Bumrah, on the other hand, won’t hold back this time. The 29-year-old Bumrah will not only lead India’s pace attack in the three-match T20I series against Ireland, which begins on August 18, but he will also captain a youthful Indian squad for the first time in white-ball cricket.

Everything is good, and I am delighted to be back. I’ve been working quite hard at the NCA. It’s been a long trek, but I’m glad to be back. I’m excited, Bumrah stated on the eve of the first T20I in Dublin, dispelling any worries about his fitness. There are certain things that 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, he added.

I respect our head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit’s opinion but irrespective they are good or bad, I don’t take anyone’s opinion seriously. I don’t want to put myself under pressure. I don’t put unnecessary expectations on me. I am returning after a long time and want to enjoy it now. I’m not thinking that I have to contribute a lot or I will change everything. I’m coming with minimal expectations. If others are expecting, it’s their problem, not mine, Bumrah concluded.