New Delhi: As the cricket world gears up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, all eyes are on India’s premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, who is set to begin his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Bumrah’s fitness is pivotal for India’s campaign in the upcoming tournament, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is adopting a cautious approach regarding his inclusion in the squad.
The BCCI’s wait-and-watch strategy is not new, as they have previously shown patience with key players like Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill. With the deadline for squad changes looming on February 11, the BCCI is carefully monitoring Bumrah’s progress, knowing they can still seek replacements later if necessary.
Bumrah has been sidelined since January 5, 2025, due to a back injury he sustained during the fifth Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. His rehabilitation at the NCA includes gym workouts and light bowling sessions, which are expected to commence within the next 24 to 48 hours. The BCCI medical team has conducted thorough scans and assessments, and his recovery will be closely monitored over the next few weeks.
Doctors anticipate that Bumrah will need three to four weeks to fully recover from the injury. This timeline puts his participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in doubt, although the BCCI remains hopeful. The team is considering alternative fast bowlers, such as Varun Chakaravarthy and Harshit Rana, to bolster their pace attack if Bumrah is not fully fit.
The BCCI’s decision to wait for Bumrah’s recovery reflects their commitment to ensuring the player’s long-term health. This approach is similar to how they handled the injuries of Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill in the past. Bumrah’s fitness is particularly crucial for high-stakes matches, such as the encounter against Pakistan on February 23.
The final decision on Bumrah’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad is likely to be made just before India’s opening match against Bangladesh on February 20. If Bumrah is not fully fit, Mohammed Shami is expected to lead India’s pace attack.
Bumrah’s rehabilitation process includes a gradual increase in physical activity, with a focus on exercises, gymming, and eventually increasing bowling loads. The team management is cautious about overusing their star bowler and is preparing for all scenarios, including the possibility of Bumrah participating in practice matches to test his fitness.
As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, India’s bowling plans are being carefully crafted, with Bumrah’s availability remaining a key factor. The BCCI’s careful management of his recovery underscores the importance of having their best players fit and ready for the tournament.
