Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir refrained from specifying a timeline for Jasprit Bumrah’s return to international cricket. Addressing the pacer’s exclusion from the Champions Trophy 2025, Gambhir stated that the medical team would be the most reliable source for updates on his condition.
Bumrah experienced back spasms during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Sydney. He did not bowl on the last day of the series, despite having taken 32 wickets. The 32-year-old was initially included in India’s preliminary Champions Trophy squad.
However, on Tuesday, February 11, the BCCI announced that Bumrah had been ruled out due to a lower back injury. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, following India’s 3-0 ODI series victory over England, Gambhir addressed Bumrah’s absence from the squad (as per NDTV):
“Obviously, he has been ruled out. But all the details, I can’t give you because it’s up to the medical team to talk about that how long is he going to be out for and stuff because it’s the medical team that decides at NCA.”
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In a different post-match discussion, Gambhir acknowledged that India would feel the absence of the fast bowler but emphasized that it presents a chance for other players to step up. He stated:
“Obviously we wanted him desperately. We know that what he can do, he’s a world-class player. But then again, some things are not in your hands. So it’s an opportunity for some of the young guys, like Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh, to put their hands up and do something for the country,” Gambhir said.
“Sometimes these are the opportunities which you’re looking for. And Harshit has been brilliant throughout the series. He’s taken some important wickets. We all know what Arshdeep can deliver. So, yes, Bumrah will always be a miss. But having someone like Mohammad Shami back with his experience is always good,” the former opener added.
“Shreyas was never meant to remain on the bench for the entire series”- Gautam Gambhir
Shreyas Iyer shined in India’s 3-0 ODI win against England but revealed he played only due to Virat Kohli’s injury. His statement surprised many, but Gambhir downplayed the controversy.
“Shreyas Iyer is an important player for us. He was not going to be benched for the entire series. Just that we thought we shall give a chance to Jaiswal in the first ODI, as he was in good form. I know just one game wasn’t enough, but we thought we shall give him one chance.”
“As for Shreyas, he was never going to be benched for the full series. He is a very important in middle order. Good he ended up playing all three games,” Gambhir concluded.
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