In a major setback for India, star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is expected to miss the group stage of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to health concerns. The 29-year-old, who has been battling a back issue, was asked to report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for further monitoring and recovery, according to India Express.
Fitness concerns and BCCI’s extension request
Bumrah, who played a pivotal role in India’s successful 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign in Australia, is facing swelling in his back. A BCCI source suggests that the injury is not a fracture, but it requires careful management to ensure the bowler’s return to full fitness, as per Indian Express. While Bumrah is expected to recover by the first week of March, he may not be ready in time for the crucial group stage matches of the Champions Trophy, scheduled to begin on February 19. India is set to play against Bangladesh on February 20 and Pakistan on February 23, with all their group-stage matches to be held in Dubai, as the team opted not to travel to Pakistan citing security concerns.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is aware of Bumrah’s fitness status, and despite the imminent deadline for squad announcements, has requested an extension from the International Cricket Council (ICC). The selectors are now deliberating whether to include Bumrah in the 15-man squad or list him as a reserve player, with the final decision expected to come closer to the tournament. As per ICC regulations, teams can make changes to their rosters until February 12, giving selectors more time to evaluate Bumrah’s condition.
According to a BCCI source, Bumrah’s rehabilitation at the NCA will take around three weeks, with the bowler likely to undergo additional match fitness assessments, including practice games, to gauge his readiness. Bumrah’s return to international cricket will be a welcome boost for India, who will rely on his experience and pace attack in the highly anticipated Champions Trophy.
Bumrah has faced previous back issues, missing nearly 11 months of cricket between 2022 and 2023 due to surgery. However, his return from injury earlier in 2023 and subsequent performances in Australia demonstrated his resilience and ability to perform at the highest level. Given Bumrah’s importance to India’s pace attack, the team management has been cautious about his workload to avoid further injuries.
India’s Champions Trophy campaign is crucial, as they aim to compete against the world’s top eight ODI teams, with matches scheduled in Karachi, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Dubai. The final of the tournament will take place on March 9. The absence of Bumrah from the early stages