"You Realise What…": Jasprit Bumrah On Return To International Cricket After 11 Months

On his much-anticipated return, pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah excelled with the ball, leading India to a two-run triumph over Ireland by DLS Method in the opening T20I of the three-match series on Friday.

Bumrah led the side back from an 11-month injury layoff, taking 2 for 24 with nine dot balls and forming a powerful partnership with T20I rookie Prasidh Krishna (2/32) to restrict Ireland to 139 for 7 after deciding to bowl.

India's pacesetter Jasprit Bumrah's return to international cricket after an 11-month absence was nothing short of miraculous. He had an early impact, taking two wickets in the first over of his return against Ireland in the first T20I.

1st T20I: How India won the rain-marred series opener against Ireland

Rain hampered India's chances in the series opener against Ireland in Dublin on Friday, but the team still managed to win by two runs using the DLS technique.

Returning to international cricket after an 11-month injury layoff, skipper Jasprit Bumrah led India to a 1-0 lead over Ireland.

As it happened: India vs Ireland

"Felt very good, so many sessions at the NCA, didn't feel like I was missing out on much or doing anything new." The staff deserves credit for keeping me upbeat. You are not thinking about yourself; instead, you are thinking about others.

"I wasn't nervous at all, but I was very happy," Bumrah remarked during the post-match presentation.

For his effort Bumrah was awarded 'player of the match' too.

"There was some swing up front, so we wanted to take advantage of it." Fortunately, we won the toss, and everything was going swimmingly. Because of the weather, I received some assistance, which made me extremely glad.

"You want more in every game," Bumrah said of the playing conditions, which were cloudy from the outset.

"They played well, after a crisis, they played well," India captain Virat Kohli said of Ireland's fightback after a top-order collapse. "Give credit where credit is due."

"Even when you win, there are things you can do better." Everyone is really confident, and they are well prepared. I believe the IPL is also beneficial. It's always fantastic because wherever we travel, people support us, which helps us keep our spirits up," Bumrah added.

Things appeared bleak for the hosts as they were reduced to 59 for 6 in the 11th over, but No. 8 Barry McCarthy staged an incredible comeback, blazing his way to a 33-ball 51 not out (4x4, 4x6) to lift their total to a respectable 139 for 7.

"It's always a pleasure to contribute to the team; I'm disappointed that we didn't win." We knew we needed to achieve a high mark on the board.

We were pushing ourselves and making big shots. There was a little bit in the wicket in the second innings. It is critical to take the game to the opponent. "It's always nice to help the team," Barry McCarthy stated after the game.
The second Twenty20 International is scheduled for Sunday.