Jasprit Bumrah delivers the biggest setback for Team India amid uncertainty surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy

Team India pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy remains uncertain as he continues to recover from injury. Jasprit Bumrah is expected to be included in India’s provisional squad, but his availability will depend on his medical and his ability to bowl pain-free.

Bumrah suffered back spasms during the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Sydney. He left the field and was rushed to the hospital for filming. The pacer couldn’t throw the ball in the second innings. The BCCI medical team is yet to release an official statement on the severity of his injury.

Jasprit Bumrah consults a New Zealand surgeon after back spasms

Jasprit Bumrah consulted with New Zealand orthopedic surgeon dr. Rowan Schouten, who previously operated on him for a back injury in 2023, according to a Hindustan Times report. The surgeon is reportedly in touch with the BCCI medical team and the selectors are also expected to be notified.

“The surgeon is in touch with the BCCI medical team and the selector is expected to be informed,” the report said.

Jasprit Bumrah included in the provisional squad for the champion

The report adds that Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss most of the series against England, which begins on January 22 with five T20Is and three ODIs. The decision comes to deal with the workload ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy, as the selectors prioritize his recovery from a back injury.

His availability for the event remains uncertain, as his participation is subject to medical clearance. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is expected to include him in the provisional squad, which according to ICC rules has to be submitted by January 12, but his final inclusion will depend on his fitness.

“It has been reported that the Indian star will be rested for the home white-ball series against England, starting on January 22”

“Although Bumrah will be selected in the provisional squad for the Champions Trophy, which must be submitted by January 12 as per ICC rule, his participation will be subject to his medical clearance,” Hindustan Times added.

Veteran Rohit Sharma, who helped India end their ICC trophy drought during the 2024 T20 World Cup, is expected to lead the team with Bumrah as vice-captain, despite injury concerns.

Selectors focus on Mohammed Shami’s international return

Mohammed Shami is expected to return to the Indian squad for the ODI series against England after recovering from a heel surgery in 2024. He missed most of the previous year due to an injury in the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Shami returned to competitive action in October and the selectors are keen to gauge his fitness in the ongoing knock-out matches for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he represents Bengal. If Shami impresses the selectors, he could be included in the ODI series against England and considered for the Champions Trophy.

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