Jasprit Bumrah’s Participation in ICC Champions Trophy at Risk Due to Injury

Islamabad:Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who did not bowl in the second innings of the fifth Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to an injury, now faces uncertainty regarding his participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.

Following India’s recent tour of Australia, Bumrah has been dealing with back pain, which caused him to sit out of bowling during the second innings of the final Test in Sydney. As a precautionary measure, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering giving Bumrah rest during most of the upcoming white-ball series against England in February. This would help ensure that he is fully fit and ready for the ICC Champions Trophy.

According to Indian media reports, Bumrah’s injury situation is still unclear, and his participation in the Champions Trophy will depend on how his recovery progresses.

During the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Bumrah bowled a total of 151.2 overs across five Test matches, taking 32 wickets and emerging as India’s most successful bowler in the series.

Reports further suggest that if Bumrah has suffered a Grade 1 injury, his recovery could take 2 to 3 weeks. In the case of a Grade 2 injury, it could extend to 6 weeks, while a Grade 3 injury may sideline him for up to 3 months.

India is scheduled to play a 5-match T20 series against England, starting January 22, followed by 3 one-day internationals. Bumrah had already been expected to rest during the T20 series, but he was likely to play in the 3-match ODI series as part of his preparation for the Champions Trophy.

However, Bumrah’s recovery timeline will now determine whether he will participate in the England ODIs or not. His final fitness level will be crucial for his involvement in the ICC Champions Trophy, which is set to begin on February 19.