ICC Champions Trophy 2025: BCCI putting too much pressure on Jasprit Bumrah?

The eagerly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is fast approaching, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has intensified its efforts to ensure the availability of Jasprit Bumrah, one of India’s premier pacers, for the tournament. Bumrah, who is recovering from a back injury sustained during the Sydney Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year, is currently undergoing rehabilitation. To facilitate his recovery, the BCCI has established a dedicated three-member team at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, tasked with closely monitoring his progress and overseeing his treatment. Bumrah’s injury has been a significant concern for Team India, especially considering the vital role he plays in the bowling attack.

BCCI trying too hard to make Jasprit Bumrah fit for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

The 31-year-old pacer has not featured in a match since January, when he was sidelined due to a stress reaction in his back. His absence from the playing XI has been a setback for India, as Bumrah has long been regarded as one of the team’s most dependable bowlers, known for his ability to bowl under pressure in critical situations. Given Bumrah’s history of back injuries, the BCCI is taking a cautious approach to ensure that he fully recovers before making his return. At the same time, the board is working to accelerate his rehabilitation, with the hope of having him fit and ready for the prestigious Champions Trophy. The team management is closely monitoring his recovery, as Bumrah’s presence in the tournament would be a major boost for India’s chances.

Reports indicate that Jasprit Bumrah recently completed a five-week offloading phase as part of his recovery from a back injury. During this period, he was advised to take complete rest, which included a break from all gym work and physical activity. This phase was crucial for allowing his body to recover and heal properly, without any additional strain on his injured back. Now, Bumrah has transitioned into the rehabilitation phase at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. A specialized three-member team has been assigned to closely monitor his progress and oversee his recovery process. This team is working to ensure that Bumrah gradually regains his fitness and is able to return to full match fitness in time for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The BCCI is taking all necessary steps to ensure his safe and speedy recovery, given his importance to India’s bowling attack.

The Centre of Excellence has designed a structured and comprehensive recovery program for Jasprit Bumrah, focusing on every aspect of his rehabilitation. The program involves a dedicated team consisting of a strength-and-conditioning coach, a physiotherapist, and a specialized coach who focuses on the skill-based components of Bumrah’s recovery. This multidisciplinary approach is aimed at ensuring Bumrah's recovery is holistic, addressing both physical and technical aspects of his fitness.

Currently, Soham Desai, the strength-and-conditioning coach, is working with the Indian team for the ongoing home series against England. However, once Bumrah is cleared to resume bowling, fast-bowling coach Troy Cooley is expected to take charge of his rehabilitation for that specific aspect. Cooley’s expertise will be crucial in carefully managing Bumrah’s return to bowling, ensuring that he regains his rhythm while minimizing the risk of further injury. This methodical and personalized recovery program is designed to ensure Bumrah returns to peak form ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With a dedicated team guiding his rehabilitation, the BCCI is taking all necessary steps to facilitate his safe and effective recovery, enabling him to rejoin India’s fast-bowling attack for the prestigious tournament.

The final medical report on Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness will be submitted by Dr. Patel to BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia and Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma will also be kept in the loop before a final decision is made regarding his inclusion in the Champions Trophy 2025 squad. With the deadline for final squad submissions being February 11, Bumrah’s recovery has become a crucial factor in determining whether he will be part of the tournament.

If Bumrah’s fitness remains in doubt, the Men in Blue may decide to opt for a replacement, with Harshit Rana emerging as the leading candidate. However, if the selectors are confident that Bumrah can recover in time for the later stages of the tournament, they may retain him in the squad and seek ICC approval for a potential late replacement, if necessary. India’s Champions Trophy campaign is set to begin on February 20, when they face Bangladesh, followed by crucial matches against Pakistan on February 23 and New Zealand on March 2. The team management is carefully monitoring Bumrah’s recovery to ensure that India is at full strength as they begin their campaign in the prestigious tournament.