Jasprit Bumrah has been an outstanding performer for India, particularly in the Test format, where his recent exploits against Australia made him one of the best pacers in the world. In the recently concluded India vs. Australia series, Bumrah took 32 wickets across five Tests, with an astonishing average of 13.06 and a strike rate of 28.3. His tally is the joint highest for an Indian pacer in a series, and the highest for any Indian bowler in an away series.
Praise from Cricket Legends:
Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist and ex-England captain Michael Vaughan heaped praise on Bumrah during a podcast. Gilchrist, however, went beyond the ratings when he said that even cricket legend Sir Donald Bradman would have been troubled by Bumrah’s bowling. “Infinity and beyond, seriously. He would have f***ing ripped on Bradman’s pegs out in a matter of balls,” Gilchrist said. Vaughan too was effusive in praise as he described him “the greatest sportsman of all time,” awarding Bumrah 10/10.
Injury Concerns and Impact on Champions Trophy:
However, the series of performances for Bumrah in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy might have cost a bit dearly for him. Bumrah has been forced out of the 5th Test in Sydney, which he missed due to spasms in the back, and it is learnt that the severity of the problem is more severe than initially considered. Bumrah has swollen on his back and would unlikely recover in time for the Champions Trophy to commence.
The injury has prompted the Board of Control for Cricket in India to request an extension for the declaration of the team from the ICC, as the deadline falls on January 12. The BCCI selection committee is in a dilemma, as they are unsure whether to name Bumrah in the 15-man list or to reserve his name in the list as one of the reserves for the tournament, as they expect him to be fit for the knockouts.
Recovery at National Cricket Academy:
Bumrah is currently under observation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for his recovery. His return to fitness could greatly impact India’s Champions Trophy side, but due to the unsure nature of injury, his possible inclusion remains under debate.
It is beyond doubt that Jasprit Bumrah was brilliant in the Test series against Australia, but his ongoing back injury has overshadowed his participation in the Champions Trophy. India’s chances of winning the tournament depend on his recovery, and BCCI’s strategic decision regarding his inclusion will be crucial for the team’s prospects.