New Delhi:
As the cricket world gears up for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India’s chances of clinching the title are clouded by the uncertain fitness of their star pacer, Jasprit Bumrah. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has issued a stern warning against rushing Bumrah back into action, emphasizing the significant risk it poses to both the player’s long-term health and India’s tournament prospects.
Bumrah’s back injury, sustained during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, has raised serious concerns about his readiness for the Champions Trophy, which is set to begin on February 19. Shastri believes that Bumrah’s absence could diminish India’s winning chances by a substantial 30-35%, highlighting the critical role the pacer plays in the team’s success.
Jasprit Bumrah’s back injury has been a subject of intense medical scrutiny. The pacer, who had to rest during the final innings of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to back spasms, is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Despite initial hopes of a quick recovery, Bumrah’s fitness remains a major concern, with his participation in the Champions Trophy hanging in the balance.
Shastri’s advice is clear: rushing Bumrah back would be a high-risk move, given the immense expectations and the demanding nature of international cricket. “At this stage of his career, he’s too precious to be just called on for one game out of the blue and asked to deliver,” Shastri cautioned, emphasizing the need to prioritize Bumrah’s long-term fitness over short-term gains.
Bumrah is targeting the third bilateral ODI against England on February 12 as a potential comeback match, but his fitness for the Champions Trophy remains doubtful. The tournament starts just a week later, on February 19, leaving little time for Bumrah to regain full fitness.
In the absence of Bumrah, India is exploring other options. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has pointed out the importance of Mohammed Shami’s return from an ankle injury as a potential backup. However, Shastri is cautious about Shami’s ability to handle the workload in ODIs, given his recent return to the game.
The BCCI is closely monitoring Bumrah’s recovery and is preparing backup plans, with players like Harshit Rana and Mohammed Siraj being considered as potential replacements. This proactive approach underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for contingency planning.
