Star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss India’s group stage matches at the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 owing to a swelling in his back, according to a report by The Indian Express. Reportedly, Indian pacer has been asked to report to the National Cricket Academy(NCA) in Bengaluru where his recovery will be monitored.
“He (Bumrah) will be going to NCA for his rehabilitation. The initial report says he doesn’t have a fracture but has swelling on his back. So the NCA will monitor his recovery and he will be there for three weeks. But even after that, he will have to play a match or two, even if they are practice games organised to check his match fitness,” a BCCI source was quoted by The Indian Express as saying.
BCCI mulls Bumrah’s inclusion in squad for Champions Trophy:
As per the report, BCCI selection committee that met in Mumbai on Saturday to pick the national squad for T20 squad for England series on Saturday were informed about Bumrah’s fitness status. The Indian selectors are now pondering whether to consider the lead Indian pacer in the 15 man squad for Champions Trophy or add him to the list of reserve players for the tournament.
Notably, the last date for submitting a provisional squad for Champions Trophy 2025 is February 12, 2025, and the BCCI has reportedly asked ICC for an extension.
When did Bumrah contract back injury?
Bumrah’s back injury had come to the fore during the fifth and final Test match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. The pacer had captained India in Sydney and also led the Indian bowling attack in the first innings but didn’t make a comeback in the second innings.
The visuals of Bumrah entering a car and going to get some tests done at a nearby health clinic were shown prominently during the match.
Champions Trophy 2025 dates:
The upcoming Champions Trophy ,will see 8 teams competing, begins on February 19. The two semi-finals will be held on March 4 and March 5 while the penultimate clash will be played on March 9.
The tournament will be played in hybrid format with India’s matches being conducted in Dubai while all other matches will be hosted in Pakistan.
India, placed in Group B, will face Bangladesh on Feburay 20, Pakistan on February 23, and New Zealand on March 2. Meanwhile, Group A includes Australia, England, Afghanistan and South Africa.
