Bumrah set to take part in the Asian Games 2026 [Source: AFP]Jasprit Bumrah was picked in the Indian T20I squad for the upcoming Asian Games 2026, but there were question marks regarding his participation as the star pacer was nursing an injury and was undergoing rehabilitation at the CoE.He sustained a knee injury during the England ODI series, and reports stated that the BCCI is taking a cautious approach regarding his international return. However, it seems Bumrah is raring to go, and his participation in the Asian Games 2026 is all but confirmed.Bumrah set to play in Asian Games 2026According to the latest report by TOI journalist Sahil Malhotra, Bumrah will play in the Asian Games, and it comes as a massive relief for the reigning champions.A few weeks ago, several reports stated that India have been urged to prepare for life without Jasprit Bumrah, as the BCCI wanted their best asset to be one hundred percent fit for the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, he has reportedly been declared fit for the marquee event, and he will fly to Japan alongside his teammate. The TOI report also mentioned that while the Afghanistan T20Is are a touch-and-go for Bumrah, his Asian Games participation is in no jeopardy."Bumrah is progressing well. In 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. Also Read: India T20I Squad vs Afghanistan Announcement Date Revealed; 3 Players DoubtfulHe is being closely monitored and while the Afghanistan T20ls could be too close for comfort, the Asian Games seem highly likely, provided there are no late surprises," source told TOI.Knee injury kept Bumrah on the sidelinesBumrah’s 2023 World Cup final appearance against Australia was the last time he played an ODI game for India before receiving a call-up for the England ODIs in July. His workload was carefully managed as the pacer suffered recurring injuries.India was supposed to play a three-match ODI series against England, but Bumrah could only play in two ODIs as he sustained a knee injury and was ruled out of the tour.Moreover, the injury also kept him out of the Indian Test team for the Sri Lanka tour as the right-arm seamer worked on improving his fitness at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.Other major injury development before the Asian Games 2026Not only Bumrah but India have also been sweating hard over Hardik Pandya’s fitness, and ever since IPL 2026, the Indian all-rounder has not played a single competitive match.The TOI report has also given an indication regarding Hardik’s comeback into the Indian team after an injury layoff. It stated that the all-rounder is fit and has been given the necessary clearance for selection in the T20I team for the upcoming Afghanistan T20Is.Hardik has been training intensely at the CoE, and he has been operating at full capacity as the 32-year-old gears up for his much-awaited return.He has not been picked in the Asian Games squad, but the BCCI could pick him for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, starting in September.Also Read: Krunal Pandya Set For India Return After 5 Years; Massive Blow For RCB Before IPL 2027
