Hardik Pandya undergoes back surgery, Jasprit Bumrah to consult specialists in UK

All-rounder and fast bowler expected to remain sidelined for considerable period due to back injury

India's Hardik Pandya reacts as he leaves the field after being dismissed by South Africa's Kagiso Rabada during the third and last T20 cricket match between India and South Africa in Bangalore, India, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
Powered by automated translation

Two of India's key players are expected to be out of action for the next few months due to serious back problems.

Al-rounder Hardik Pandya is looking at three to four months away from the game, while fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, also suffering from a lower back injury, is likely to be on the sidelines for at least two months.

On Saturday, the Indian cricket board announced that Pandya had undergone successful surgery on his lower back in London.

"Hardik Pandya complained of lower back pain after India’s final T20 against South Africa in Bengaluru on 22nd September," the board said in a statement.

"The BCCI medical team consulted a panel of spine specialists in England and they recommended surgery for a long-term solution of this issue.

"The all-rounder travelled to London on 2nd October with physiotherapist Yogesh Parmar. On Friday, a successful surgery was conducted. Hardik will soon commence his rehabilitation process."

Pandya then took to social media to give an update about his surgery, stating that he hopes to return to action soon.

"Surgery done successfully. Extremely grateful to everyone for your wishes. Will be back in no time! Till then miss me," Pandya, 25, tweeted.

The Baroda player first sustained the injury during the Asia Cup in the UAE last September. He recovered in time to play the 2019 World Cup before the issue resurfaced against the Proteas.

India's Jasprit Bumrah, right, shares a light moment with fellow cricketer Rishabh Pant during a training session ahead of their last T20 cricket match against South Africa in Bangalore, India, Friday, Sept. 20, 2019. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
India pacer Jasprit Bumrah, right. AP

Meanwhile, Bumrah is set to travel to the UK to consult specialists after being sidelined due to a stress fracture in the lower back.

The Press Trust of India reported that Bumrah is expected to consults specialists during a month-long stay in the UK.

He experienced back problems during the Test series in the West Indies in August and his injury was detected during a radiological screening last month.

Bumrah is set to travel to the UK on Sunday and is likely to be accompanied by a physio from the National Cricket Academy.