India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy remains uncertain, according to sources. Widely regarded as one of India’s finest fast bowlers, Bumrah is currently recovering from an injury and has been directed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for rehabilitation.
Insiders suggest that while Bumrah might be included in the Champions Trophy squad, his final availability will depend on his recovery progress. The injury occurred during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy’s final Test match, where Bumrah bowled just one over after the lunch break on Day 2 before being sidelined. He underwent scans and did not participate further, missing the final innings on Day 3.
Jasprit Bumrah to Miss Champions Trophy
India’s hopes for a strong start in the upcoming Champions Trophy have taken a hit as star pacer Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to recover in time. Bumrah, who suffered a back injury during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney, was initially diagnosed with back spasms. However, reports now suggest the injury is more severe, with noticeable swelling in his back. This setback could see him miss the start of the tournament, with doubts surrounding his availability for key matches.
The pacer, who was instrumental in India’s success against Australia by claiming 32 wickets in the five-match series, has been instructed to report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. There, his recovery will be closely monitored over a three-week period. Even if he clears initial assessments, Bumrah will need to prove his match fitness through practice games before being considered for the Champions Trophy.
In light of the uncertainty, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has requested an extension from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for finalizing the squad, as the initial deadline falls today (January 12). The selectors are reportedly debating whether to include Bumrah in the 15-man roster or take him as a reserve, with hopes that he may be fit for the tournament’s knockout stages.
“He doesn’t have a fracture, but the swelling on his back is concerning. The NCA will oversee his rehabilitation, and he’ll need to regain match fitness before being declared ready,” an insider revealed. Bumrah’s absence would undoubtedly be a significant blow to India’s campaign, emphasizing the challenges of managing player workloads in a packed cricket calendar.
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Bumrah’s Overloaded Workload Raises Injury Concerns
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier pacer, bowled over 150 overs in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which sources suggest directly contributed to his back spasms and subsequent injury. The heavy workload has now put his availability for the Champions Trophy in serious doubt.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to release an official statement about Bumrah’s injury or its exact nature. If the injury is classified as Grade 1, he may require two to three weeks of rehabilitation before resuming play. A Grade 2 injury could extend recovery to six weeks, while a Grade 3 injury, the most severe, demands at least three months of rest and rehab.
While it was anticipated that Bumrah might skip the T20I bilateral series given this is not a World Cup year, he was expected to feature in two or three ODIs against England to prepare for the Champions Trophy. His potential absence now presents a significant challenge for India’s campaign in the marquee event.
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FAQs
Q.1. What is the current status of Jasprit Bumrah’s injury?
Ans. Jasprit Bumrah is recovering from a back injury with noticeable swelling and is undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
Q.2. Will Jasprit Bumrah play in the Champions Trophy?
Ans. Bumrah’s participation in the Champions Trophy is uncertain and depends on his recovery and fitness levels closer to the tournament.
Q.3. How did Jasprit Bumrah get injured?
Ans. Bumrah sustained a back injury during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, likely due to a heavy workload in the series.
Q.4. What steps is the BCCI taking regarding Bumrah’s injury?
Ans. The BCCI has directed Bumrah to undergo rehabilitation at the NCA and requested an extension from the ICC to finalize India’s Champions Trophy squad.
Q.5. How long will it take for Bumrah to recover?
Ans. Recovery could take 3 weeks for a minor injury but may extend up to 3 months if the injury is severe.
