IND vs SL: Lasith Malinga wants to use Jasprit Bumrah's 'struggle to get into rhythm' to his advantage

India will take on Sri Lanka in the first T20I at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday and all eyes will be on Jasprit Bumrah who is making his long-awaited comeback to international cricket.

Bumrah has been out of action for the last few months due to a stress fracture in his back. 

Now talking about the pacer's comeback from injury, Sri Lanka captain Lasith Malinga said they could use the situation to their advantage. 

Malinga said that the Islanders would target Bumrah as it is not easy to make a comeback after being four months out.

“He’s got the skill and accuracy. But coming after the injury when you don’t play much cricket for the last four months, the bowlers struggle to get into the rhythm for the first few matches. We want to use that to our advantage.”

“I can pass all the information of his attitude and bowling skill. But batsmen will have to be smart enough to handle him carefully,” he said, according to Hindustan Times.

Bumrah was ruled out of the series against South Africa, Bangladesh and West Indies, but was declared fit in December by the team physio Nitin Menon. 

At the training session in Guwahati, Bumrah announced his return. In a video posted on BCCI website, the 26-year-old was seen doing what he does best - smashing stumps with the ball. “Missed that sight anyone?” BCCI captioned the video.

Bumrah could also become India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is. He, so far, has 51 wickets in the short format and needs just two more to surpass the joint-record held by Yuzvendra Chahal and R Ashwin, both who have 52 wickets each.