Jasprit Bumrah Injury Update: Pacer Likely to Miss England Series Ahead of Champions Trophy

India’s top pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, may miss most of the home white-ball series against England. This raises concerns about his availability for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Bumrah was India’s best player in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He took a record 32 wickets. But, he suffered back spasms in the fourth Test’s final innings. The injury stopped him from bowling more. It now worries the Indian cricket board.

Excessive Workload Takes a Toll on Bumrah

The 30-year-old spearhead bowled over 150 overs in the four-Test series against Australia. India lost the series 1-3. Sources close to the BCCI medical team blame his injury on the heavy workload in the high-pressure series.

The injury raises doubt about Bumrah’s participation in the England series. It includes five T20Is and three ODIs from January 22 to February 12. The BCCI will prioritize his recovery for the ICC Champions Trophy, starting February 19.

Injury Grade to Determine Recovery Timeline

Bumrah’s recovery timeline will depend on the grade of his back spasm:

Grade 1 injury: Requires 2-3 weeks of rehabilitation before returning to play.
Grade 2 injury: Recovery extends up to six weeks.
Grade 3 injury: The most severe. It requires at least three months of rest and rehab.

BCCI insiders believe Bumrah might skip the England ODIs. They say his injury is serious, but its exact severity is still unknown. If his injury is mild, he may play the final ODI at his home ground in Ahmedabad on February 12. It depends on a fitness test.

Champions Trophy Preparation Takes Precedence

India will play Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai. This is their first match in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Bumrah is vital to India’s bowling attack. So, the selectors want to ensure he is fit for the tournament.

Bumrah was never expected to play the England T20I series, as it isn’t a World Cup year. He would have likely played in two of the three ODIs to prepare India for the 50-over format. However, his injury has forced the team management to rethink its plans.

India’s Bowling Attack Without Bumrah

With Bumrah possibly out for the England series, India’s selectors may turn to other pacers. They could choose Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh for the T20Is and ODIs. Bumrah’s absence will create a hard-to-fill void in the attack. This is especially true against a strong English side.

What’s Next for Bumrah and Team India?

All eyes are now on the BCCI’s medical team as they assess Bumrah’s condition. His availability for the Champions Trophy is crucial for India. The team seeks to rebound from a disappointing Test series loss in Australia.

For now, the pacer’s recovery will take center stage. Both selectors and fans hope for a speedy return to action.