In what comes as a massive blow to Jasprit Bumrah, Mumbai Indians (MI) and also the Indian cricket team, the fast bowler is doubtful for the whole Indian Premier League (IPL 2023) season from March 31 and also the World Test Championship final in June, should India make it.

Bumrah's back injury is more serious than it had appeared initially, according to a Cricbuzz report, and despite him putting in all the efforts to make an onfield return, it seems he won't be back anytime soon for his franchise or the country.

Bumrah, last played for India in September during the home T20I series against Australia, making a comeback after sitting out for couple of months with a back injury which forced him to miss the Asia Cup. In a bid to play the T20 World Cup in Australia, he was rushed for the T20Is, and as a result his injury worsened and it's now five months since he has played in a competitive match.

Bumrah was slated to play the ODIs against Sri Lanka in January, but was pulled out after suffering some stiffness in his back, which subsequently ruled him out of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy as well.

As per the report, Bumrah is not feeling comfortable after bowling recently at the National Cricket Academy, where he has spent a lengthy period of time for his rehabilitation. He now stares at a prolonged spell away from top-level cricket.

The Indian team management wants Bumrah to target the Asia Cup 2023 in September for a possible comeback, if not, then the all important Cricket World Cup at home in October-November.

The report further claims that the managements of the BCCI, NCA and Indian team are chalking out a meticulously planned programme for Bumrah's return, leaving no stone unturned to ensure he recovers completely before he starts playing again.

(Cricbuzz inputs)