The year 2024 has been incredibly memorable for Jasprit Bumrah, but now it seems that his issue may force him to miss the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The fitness of Bumrah, who has already missed the 2022 T20 World Cup due to this problem, is the biggest concern for India right now.
Word is that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is already preparing a backup plan as Jasprit Bumrah may not recover in time for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
ICC Champions Jasprit Bumrah Trophy 2025 Hope fades
However, Bumrah has been included in the 2025 Champions Trophy for the third ODI against England as well, but he hopes his participation will be low in Ahmedabad.
Significantly, the Indian selectors can make changes to their 2025 Champions Trophy squad till February 11, so the BCCI is trying every possible way to get Bumrah for the prestigious tournament.
In another scenario, Harshit Rana has already been named for the first two ODIs against England, but sources have revealed that experienced pacer Mohammed Siraj is a strong contender to get the nod if Bumrah fails to recover in time for the upcoming eight-nation tournament.
BCCI is coordinating with a New Zealand specialist over Bumrah’s injury
Meanwhile, the BCCI medical team is reportedly coordinating with Dr. Rowan Schouten in New Zealand to assess Jasprit Bumrah’s back injury. The national selectors are well aware of the fact that in the case of Bumrah, only a miracle can happen for the Champions Trophy in 2025.
A BCCI source was quoted by India Times as saying, “The BCCI medical team is in touch with Schouten in New Zealand. The board also planned for Bumrah to visit New Zealand. But that hasn’t happened yet. The selectors know it will be a miracle if Bumrah turns 100 % in the given timeline “.
His reports will be shared with the orthopedic surgeon, and the decision to refer him will depend on the findings and feedback from Schouten’s assessment.
BCCI prepares safety plan for Champions Trophy 2025 as Jasprit Bumrah’s recovery timeline remains uncertain
However, the board and the star player are both against rushing his recovery, having rushed him back into action during the 2022 home series against Australia, leading to him getting injured again and missing the T20 World Cup.
The source further said, “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 ready to push hard considering his significance over a long period of time. The selectors will be informed only if he is ready to take the field after the whole process is over. It will be a miracle if Bumrah does it.”
Significantly, Bumrah and other Indian fast bowlers who have played regularly during the Test season have been advised to follow a three-week recharging period. During this time, players are instructed to avoid intense physical activity, including basic fitness training.
The BCCI medical team was supposed to assess Bumrah’s condition after this transfer period, which ended last week, and there is no update yet.
