Bumrah's fitness woes cast doubt on India's Champions Trophy 2025 hopes

India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the Champions Trophy this year is in doubt because of his injury, according to Indian media sources on Sunday, which may weaken the Men in Blue's bowling attack.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has instructed the key Indian pacer to undergo rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

The sources said Bumrah might be incorporated to the Champions Trophy squad but his availability to play will depend on how quickly he recovers.

Bumrah, the highest wicket-taker in the recent Test series with Australia which India lost 3-1, had back spasms during the second day of final Test in Sydney, which forced him out of the match midway. He was taken from the stadium for scans.

"Since he is injured and will report to NCA for his rehab. As of now, we are hoping that he will be fine soon but not very sure about it as far as his selection is concerned," India Today reported quoting sources privy to the matter as saying.

"Selectors will take call but sources indicated that he will be in the provisional squad as subject to fitness addition. A final call will be taken soon," they maintained.

Meanwhile, the 30-year-old fast bowler has officially been axed from the five-match T20 international series with England, the BCCI announced on Saturday. He has been replaced by Mohammad Shami.

His absence could deal a significant blow to the Men in Blue.

Extra workload

Recently, Bumrah has faced an excessive workload, having bowled over 150 overs in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Test series between India and Australia. Earlier, sources told the PTI news agency that Bumrah's back spasms and subsequent injury were directly linked to the strain he endured during the series.

The BCCI has not released any official statements regarding the player’s condition, leaving it unclear what specific injury he is suffering from.

If it is a Grade 1 injury, it will require at least two to three weeks of rehabilitation before he can return to the national side. For a Grade 2 injury, recovery could take up to six weeks. In the case of a Grade 3 injury, the most severe type, at least three months of rest and rehabilitation would be necessary.