Web Desk
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s star pacer, may miss this year’s Champions Trophy due to injury, potentially weakening the team’s bowling attack, local media reported on Sunday.
According to sources, Bumrah, who is regarded as one of India’s finest fast bowlers, has been instructed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to undergo rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.
Bumrah, who was the highest wicket-taker in India’s recent Test series against Australia, sustained back spasms during the second day of the final Test in Sydney, forcing him to leave the match. He later underwent scans to assess the injury.
Sources suggest that while Bumrah may still be included in the provisional squad for the Champions Trophy, his participation will depend on how quickly he recovers. A final decision on his inclusion will be made after assessing his fitness.
The 30-year-old bowler has been ruled out of the upcoming five-match T20I series against England, with Mohammad Shami replacing him in the squad. The BCCI made this announcement on Saturday.
Bumrah’s absence could significantly impact India’s chances in upcoming international tournaments. Reports indicate that the back spasms are linked to the excessive workload Bumrah endured during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he bowled over 150 overs.
Although the BCCI has not released any official statement regarding the specifics of his injury, sources suggest that if it is a Grade 1 injury, recovery could take two to three weeks, while a Grade 2 injury might require up to six weeks. A Grade 3 injury, the most severe, could keep him out for up to three months.
