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Bumrah’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy will depend on the feedback of orthopedic surgeon Dr. Rowan Schouten, who is due to assess his back injury report.
Jasprit Bumrah doubtful for ICC Champions Trophy 2025. (Picture Credit: X/@BCCI)
Jasprit Bumrah is out of action these days due to a back injury that he suffered during the fifth Test of the India-Australia series. Despite his fitness-related issues, Bumrah was named in India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. But according to a latest report in the Times of India, Bumrah’s participation in the eight-team ICC event, which is set to be played from February 19 to March 9, is doubtful.
The 31-year-old fast bowler’s back injury is due to be assessed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Rowan Schouten in New Zealand. Bumrah’s participation in the Champions Trophy will depend on the report and feedback of the New Zealand doctor who had treated him in 2022 as well when he was out of action for almost a year due to a back injury.
It has been reported that BCCI is already planning a backup for world No. 1 Test bowler because there are very thin chances of him getting fit in time for the ICC tournament.
During the squad announcement press conference, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had said that Bumrah could play in the third ODI against England, which is scheduled to take place at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 12, but “there are no high hopes around him.”
“The BCCI medical team is in touch with Schouten in New Zealand. The board had also planned a visit for Bumrah to New Zealand. But that hasn’t happened yet. The selectors know it will be a miracle if Bumrah turns up 100% fit in the given timeline,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying by TOI.
Bumrah, who played in all five Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, was advised to take a three-week offloading process after his return to India. In the offloading process, a player is advised to not undertake any strenuous physical activity, which includes basic fitness training as well. BCCI’s medical team will evaluate Bumrah’s condition after the offloading process and share the report with Schouten as well.
“The reports will be shared with his doctor in New Zealand. Sending Bumrah to New Zealand will depend on the feedback. The board and Bumrah himself are not willing to push hard given his significance over a long period of time,” the source said.
“The selectors will only be informed if he is ready to take the field after the entire process is complete. The selectors will need to keep a backup plan ready for him. It will be a miracle if Bumrah makes it,” the source added.
Teams are allowed to make changes to the Champions Trophy squad till February 11. Delhi-based fast bowler Harshit Rana was picked by the selectors for the home series against England on January 18 in the absence of Bumrah, and it will be interesting to see if he manages to retain his place in the squad for the Champions Trophy as well or not. According to sources, because of his experience, former world No. 1 ODI bowler Mohammed Siraj could also be back in contention for the Champions Trophy if Bumrah misses out.
