MUMBAI: As India gears up for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, the team is facing a significant setback with the injury of their key pacer, Jasprit Bumrah. The 30-year-old bowler, who was instrumental in India’s bowling attack during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, suffered back spasms during the fifth and final Test against Australia in Sydney.
Bumrah’s injury, initially described as a minor back spasm, appears to be more severe than initially thought. This development has raised concerns about his participation in the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to start on February 19. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering resting Bumrah for the majority of the home white-ball series against England to ensure he is fully fit for the tournament.
During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Bumrah bowled an impressive 151.2 overs across five Tests, taking 32 wickets at an average of 13.06. However, his excessive workload may have contributed to his current injury. The BCCI medical team is yet to ascertain the grade of his injury, which will determine the duration of his rehabilitation. If it is a Grade 1 injury, Bumrah might need two to three weeks of recovery, while a Grade 2 or Grade 3 injury could extend his rehabilitation to six weeks or even three months, respectively.
Bumrah’s absence would be a significant blow to India’s chances in the Champions Trophy. He was expected to play a crucial role, especially given his performance in the 50-over format. However, his participation now hangs in the balance, and the team management will require clearance from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) medical staff before he can be considered for the tournament.
In the meantime, India is preparing for a five-match T20I series and three ODIs against England starting on January 22. While Bumrah is likely to miss these matches, other players like Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav are being monitored for potential comebacks. Yashasvi Jaiswal is set to be included in India’s ODI side as a backup opener, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill expected to open the batting.
The selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar, is also considering Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh for the Champions Trophy squad. The team’s spin department is likely to include Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav, with Washington Sundar also in contention.
As India navigates these injury concerns, the team’s strategy for the Champions Trophy will need careful planning to ensure they remain competitive without their star pacer.
