In what is considered a significant blow to Team India’s campaign, star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will to miss the group stage matches of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a back swelling injury.
Jasprit Bumrah to miss the initial phase of Champions Trophy 2025
Bumrah, who has been a pivotal part of the Indian cricket team, suffered from back spasms during the fifth Test match against Australia in Sydney. This injury has led to concerns about his participation in the Champions Trophy, which is set to commence in February 2025. Bumrah has been advised to undergo rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, with the aim of making a comeback for the knockout stages of the tournament.
According to reports, Bumrah’s injury is being closely monitored by both the BCCI’s medical team and a New Zealand-based orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Rowan Schouten, who has previously worked with the pacer. The recovery process is expected to be cautious, prioritizing Bumrah’s long-term health over immediate participation in the tournament.
“He (Bumrah) will be going to NCA for his rehabilitation. The initial report says he doesn’t have a fracture but has swelling on his back. So the NCA will monitor his recovery and he will be there for three weeks. But even after that, he will have to play a match or two, even if they are practice games organised to check his match fitness,” a BCCI source said as quoted by Indian express.
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Impact on Team India
Bumrah’s absence from the initial phase of the tournament is seen as a setback for India, especially considering his role as the spearhead of the bowling attack. With the Champions Trophy starting on February 19, 2025, India will face Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand in the group stages without their star bowler.
India’s schedule and Bumrah’s uncertain availability
Notably, India’s final group match is scheduled against New Zealand on March 2, but Bumrah’s availability for the game remains uncertain. Before that, India will face Bangladesh on February 20 and Pakistan on February 23. All of India’s matches will be held in Dubai, as the team declined to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns, leading the ICC to approve a hybrid model. The semi-finals are slated for March 4 and 5, with the final set for March 9.
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