Mumbai: As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, the Indian cricket team faces a potential setback with star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s participation hanging in the balance. Recent reports suggest Bumrah may miss the group stage matches due to ongoing fitness concerns stemming from a back injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia.
The 31-year-old pace spearhead has been directed to report to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru for rehabilitation, casting doubt on his availability for India’s early matches in the tournament. Sources indicate that Bumrah’s recovery timeline may extend into early March, potentially ruling him out of India’s group stage encounters against Bangladesh on 20 February and arch-rivals Pakistan on 23 February.
The injury woes for Bumrah can be traced back to the gruelling five-Test series against Australia, where he shouldered a significant workload. As the spearhead of India’s pace attack and stand-in captain for two Tests, Bumrah featured in all five matches, bowling a staggering 151.2 overs across the series.
This heavy workload, combined with extensive travel across five Australian cities covering nearly 7,000 kilometres, appears to have taken its toll on the fast bowler’s body. Bumrah’s back spasms during the Sydney Test forced him off the field, raising alarm bells about his fitness.
The current situation is not unfamiliar territory for Bumrah, who has battled various injuries throughout his career. Previous setbacks include a back injury in August 2022, an abdominal strain during the 2020-21 Australia tour, a lower back injury on the 2019 West Indies tour, and a thumb injury during the 2018 Ireland and England tours.
As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) grapples with this predicament, they have reportedly sought an extension from the ICC for announcing the final squad. The selectors face a tough decision on whether to include Bumrah in the 15-man roster or list him as a reserve player, hoping he regains fitness before the knockout stages.
With Bumrah’s absence potentially stretching into the tournament, India may need to rely on other pacers like Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh to lead the attack in the crucial early matches. The team management and fans alike will be anxiously awaiting updates on Bumrah’s recovery, as his presence could be pivotal to India’s chances in the Champions Trophy.