ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Jasprit Bumrah to receive BCCI clearance despite injury fears? Update arrives
Published - 11 Feb 2025, 10:21 AM
Team India pacer Jasprit Bumrah has started bowling again as he recovers from back spasms ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. The ace pacer is training at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, where he is gradually increasing his bowling workload under the supervision of BCCI’s fitness experts.
Bumrah was last seen in action during the fifth Test against Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Sydney, where he sustained a back injury. The fast bowler was immediately sent for scans, which confirmed back spasms. He has had a history of back issues, including surgery in March 2023.
Jasprit Bumrah Named in India's Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 Despite Injury Concerns
However, the selection committee has picked Jasprit Bumrah in India’s squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy. However, his participation depends on passing a fitness test. He was set to play in the third ODI against England as part of his preparation for the tournament but was ruled out of the match.
The deadline for teams to submit their final squads to the ICC is February 11. Bumrah recently underwent a back scan at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The BCCI medical team will stay in contact with the selectors and team management before making the final decision on his inclusion.
Jasprit Bumrah Resumes Bowling After Back Scans in Bengaluru
Jasprit Bumrah has resumed bowling after his back scans in Bengaluru, according to a report in Hindustan Times. He started with two-over spells, increased to three, and is now bowling four-over spells. His fitness status remains uncertain, but there’s still an opportunity to assess him in a practice match before India depart for Dubai on February 15.
The selectors have named only three frontline pacers—Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and the recovering Bumrah—with Hardik Pandya as the seam-bowling all-rounder. Mohammed Siraj was not considered for selection. Meanwhile, Harshit Rana has featured in the first two ODIs against England.
Teams Can Make Changes to Their Provisional Squads Until February 12
If Bumrah misses the early stages of the Champions Trophy, he won't be dropped. Australia took a similar approach in the 2023 ODI World Cup with Travis Head, who joined the squad after recovering from a broken hand and made key contributions, including in the final against the Rohit Sharma-led team.
However, with Bumrah’s history of back issues, the decision requires careful consideration. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the BCCI medical team are expected to have discussions soon. If Bumrah is deemed too risky to include, Harshit Rana could be a likely replacement for the eight-team tournament.
Teams can make changes to their provisional squads until February 11. After this deadline, any changes will need approval from the ICC Technical Committee. India will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20. They are in Group A, alongside Bangladesh, New Zealand, and host nation Pakistan.
