In what is seen as a significant blow to Team India’s campaign, the star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will miss the upcoming group stage matches ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a back injury.
Jasprit Bumrah will miss the opening phase of Champions Trophy 2025
Bumrah, who was a key part of the Indian cricket team, suffered from back spasms during the fifth Test match against Australia in Sydney. This injury has led to concerns over his participation in the Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to begin in February 2025. Bumrah has been advised to undergo rehabilitation at National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, aiming to return to the knockout stages of the tournament.
According to reports, Bumrah’s injury is being closely monitored by both the BCCI medical team and a New Zealand orthopedic surgeon, Ph.D. Rowan Schoutenwho previously worked with a pacer. The recovery process is expected to be cautious, prioritizing Bumrah’s long-term health over his immediate participation in the tournament.
“He (Bumrah) will go to NCA for rehabilitation. The initial report says he doesn’t have a fracture, but he does have swelling on his back. Therefore, the NCA will monitor his recovery and will be there for three weeks. But even after that he will have to play a match or two, even if they are practice matches organized to check his match fitness.” a BCCI source said as quoted by Indian express.
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Impact on Team India
Bumrah’s absence from the opening phase of the tournament is seen as a setback for India, especially given his role as the spearhead of the bowling attack. With the Champions Trophy starting on February 19, 2025, India will face Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand in the group stage without their star bowler.
India schedule and Bumrah’s availability uncertain
Notably, India’s final group match is scheduled against New Zealand on March 2, but Bumrah’s availability for the match remains uncertain. Before that, India will face Bangladesh on February 20 and Pakistan on February 23. All of India’s matches will be held in Dubai, as the team refused to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns, prompting the ICC to approve the hybrid model. The semifinals are scheduled for March 4 and 5, and the final set for March 9.
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