Jasprit Bumrah, India’s marquee fast bowler, is currently recovering from a back injury sustained during the fifth and final Test against Australia in Sydney earlier this year. This injury has kept him out of action since then, casting uncertainty over his availability for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
Bumrah’s Absence from Recent Matches
As a result of the injury, Bumrah did not play the recently concluded T20 series against England. Key players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul were seen returning to domestic cricket as part of preparation for the series against England while Bumrah is still under rehabilitation.
Fresh Scans on Bumrah
This 29-year-old fast bowler is in Bengaluru to undergo fresh scans to access the severity of his back injury. The BCCI medical team will, in turn, be able to understand his recovery better, from which results, a detailed report would be submitted before the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, for deciding on Bumrah’s potential return into competitive cricket.
BCCI’s Strategy and Schedule
Ajit Agarkar, recently, revealed that Bumrah will not play the first two ODIs against England. The BCCI is keeping a close eye on his fitness and recovery schedule. According to Agarkar, Bumrah will be out for five weeks and the BCCI will make a final decision on his fitness by early February when they will receive updates from the medical team.
Possible Return for Champions Trophy 2025
Bumrah’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled for 2025, is uncertain. His recovery and medical clearance will decide whether he will be included in the final squad for the tournament. The BCCI is said to be working on contingency plans, preparing to make adjustments if Bumrah cannot recover in time.
Shami’s Return and Replacement
Whereas Bumrah is still a question mark for the series against England, Mohammed Shami has been reintroduced to the side. The comeback of Shami will boost the pace bowling arsenal of India ahead of the ODI series against England.
The Indian cricket fraternity is eagerly waiting for further updates regarding Bumrah’s recovery. His return will certainly enhance India’s pace attack in the Champions Trophy, and all eyes are on the results of his medical tests and the BCCI decision in the coming weeks.