Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is looking highly unlikely as the pacer has reportedly been advised ‘bed rest’ for his back injury, with there being no return date in sight.
Bumrah injured himself mid-way through the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney. Initially, it was being said that the speedster had a ‘back spasm’ but that was later revealed to be a swelling in the back.
The 31-year-old is expected to travel to the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru for rehabilitation, but according to a Times of India report, it remains unclear as to when Bumrah will start his rehab.
"Bumrah could go to the CoE next week but right now there is no fixed date yet. He has been advised bed rest at home to help the muscles recover and the swelling to subside. Once that is done, future course of action will be ascertained," TOI quoted a source as saying.
A report from The Indian Express last week suggested that Bumrah will miss the group stages of the Champions Trophy and will be available only for the knockouts in March. But, as it stands, the speedster’s participation even in the latter stages of the competition looks unlikely.
India start their 2025 Champions Trophy campaign on February 20 in Dubai against Bangladesh. The deadline for the provisional squad announcement was January 12 but the BCCI asked ICC for an extension. The Men In Blue are hence expected to announce their squad on January 18 (Saturday).
Bumrah has already suffered two back stress fractures (2019 & 2022). A third will not only come as a body blow for the speedster himself but also the Indian team, who are scheduled to tour England for a five-Test series in June.