Star Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, currently recovering from a back injury, is expected to miss India’s group stage matches in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. India will open their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai, followed by a clash with arch-rivals Pakistan at the same venue on February 23.
Their final Group A match is scheduled against New Zealand on March 2 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. As reported by ‘The Indian Express’ on Sunday, Bumrah is dealing with back swelling and is likely to sit out the group stage due to health concerns.
The 31-year-old has been instructed to report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, where his recovery will be closely monitored. Reports suggest that the national selectors have been informed about Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness status. According to a BCCI source, Bumrah is likely to regain full fitness only by the first week of March.
“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,” said the source.
BCCI Selectors Weigh Bumrah’s Inclusion in Final Champions Trophy Squad
The BCCI selectors are deliberating whether to include Jasprit Bumrah in the 15-member squad or place him among the reserve players. The board has until February 12 to finalize changes to the provisional squad.
The 31-year-old Ahmedabad-born pacer, who was the leading wicket-taker in international cricket last year, has previously missed key ICC events like the T20 World Cup 2022 and the WTC Final 2023 due to back injuries.
Bumrah showcased exceptional form in the recently concluded five-match Test series against Australia, featuring in all five games and claiming an impressive 32 wickets.
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