Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jan 12: In what could be a major setback for Indian cricket, ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is reportedly in danger of missing the entire Champions Trophy next month due to a back injury. Bumrah, who is currently dealing with swelling in his back, will soon head to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru for recovery monitoring. Sources suggest that the injury could sideline him for a significant period.
The Champions Trophy, set to begin on February 19 in Dubai, will feature the world's top eight ODI teams, with India slated to play their league matches in the UAE. Bumrah’s absence from this prestigious tournament would be a significant blow to the Indian squad, which will need his experience and pace in the highly anticipated event.
The national selectors, who met in Mumbai on Saturday, made the decision to rest Bumrah from the upcoming T20I series against England later this month. Although the selectors have not yet received the full medical report, there is growing concern regarding Bumrah’s recovery timeline. The squad for the Champions Trophy is due to be announced by midnight on Sunday, with the deadline fast approaching. Reports suggest the BCCI may request an extension from the International Cricket Council (ICC), though at the time of writing, no such request has been made.
Bumrah’s back injury isn’t new he has struggled with similar issues in the past, leading to a lengthy hiatus from September 2022 to August 2023, during which he underwent surgery. His injury has resurfaced after his incredible performance in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, where he claimed 32 wickets in 151.2 overs, with an outstanding average of 13.06 and strike rate of 28.3. He was named the ‘Player of the Series,’ but his back injury prevented him from bowling on the final day of the fifth Test in Sydney.
The uncertainty surrounding Bumrah’s fitness is compounded by concerns about the form of other key players. Discussions have been reportedly held by chief selector Ajit Agarkar with skipper Rohit Sharma and senior batter Virat Kohli regarding their ‘future plans.’ Both players have been struggling with form in recent series, with Kohli scoring 190 runs in five Tests at an average of 23.75, and Rohit managing only 31 runs in three Tests at an average of 6.20.
As the Indian team prepares for a busy schedule, players such as Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill have been excluded from the T20I squad against England, as the BCCI aims to rest those who participated in the physically demanding Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. The hope is that these players will be fresh for the ODI series against England and the Champions Trophy.
The next few days will be crucial in determining whether Bumrah can recover in time for the Champions Trophy or if India will need to adjust their plans in his absence.