Jasprit Bumrah set to return for Asian Games 2026 in Japan after knee injury: Reports

Jasprit Bumrah could make his return to competitive cricket at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan after recovering from a knee injury. The India fast bowler has been progressing well in his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. However, his return date is yet to be confirmed.

Bumrah suffered the knee injury during India’s ODI series against England in July. He was included in India’s T20I squad for the Asian Games, but his participation was uncertain because of his ongoing rehabilitation. According to reports, the team management is taking a cautious approach with the star pacer.

The Asian Games now appear to be a realistic target for Bumrah’s return if he completes his recovery without any further setbacks. His return would be a major boost for India as the team looks to defend its Asian Games cricket title in Japan.

Bumrah likely to miss Afghanistan T20I Series But Set for Asian Games Comeback, Say Reports

Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss India’s upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan, according to a Times of India report. However, the star pacer could return to competitive cricket during the Asian Games in Japan if he completes his rehabilitation without any setbacks.

“Bumrah is progressing well. In the buildup to the 2027 World Cup, the plan was that he would focus on ODIs and Tests, but since the knee injury, the management wants to ease him back with the shortest format first,” a source told Times of India. The source added that the Afghanistan T20Is could be too close for his return, while the Asian Games appear to be a more likely target.

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Bumrah’s successful recovery would be a major boost for India ahead of a busy international schedule. The team management is expected to take a cautious approach with the pacer and avoid rushing him back before he is fully ready.

Inside Bumrah's knee rehab at BCCI Centre of Excellence — How the recovery timeline looks

Jasprit Bumrah has been working on his recovery at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru after suffering a knee injury during India’s ODI series against England. The BCCI has been taking a cautious approach with the star pacer and wants him to return only when he is fully fit. Recent reports suggest that Bumrah is progressing well in his rehabilitation.

Bumrah’s workload has been carefully managed in recent years because of his recurring injuries. He last played an ODI for India in the 2023 World Cup final against Australia before returning to the format during the England series in July. India played three ODIs against England, but Bumrah featured in only two before suffering the knee injury and being ruled out of the tour.

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The injury also kept Bumrah out of India’s Test squad for the Sri Lanka tour as he continued his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. According to reports, the Afghanistan T20Is could come too early for his return, but the Asian Games in Japan remain a strong target. If he continues to recover well, Bumrah is expected to return to action without any major concerns.

Why Team India is managing bumrah's workload ahead of key tests vs New Zealand & Australia

India’s next two Test assignments will be crucial in their race to reach the World Test Championship (WTC) final. The team has seven Tests remaining in the current cycle, including a two-Test series against New Zealand away from home and a five-Test series against Australia in India.

The New Zealand tour will be a tough challenge, with the conditions likely to test India’s batters. After that, India will host Australia in a five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, with matches scheduled across venues such as Nagpur, Chennai, Guwahati, Ranchi and Ahmedabad.

India are likely to need at least six wins from their remaining seven Tests to put themselves in a strong position for the WTC final. With so much at stake, keeping key players such as Jasprit Bumrah fit and managing his workload will be an important part of India’s plans.