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India's star pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, is racing against time to recover from a back injury ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The bowler is set to be assessed by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Rowan Schouten in New Zealand, who will evaluate the severity of his condition. Depending on Bumrah's recovery and Dr. Schouten's feedback, a follow-up consultation visit will be arranged. Bumrah, who has been named in India's 15-man squad for the global event, will need to regain full fitness in time for the tournament. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is already making contingency plans, with a backup ready if Bumrah’s recovery does not proceed as expected.
Will Jasprit Bumrah be fit for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
The situation is causing significant concern among Indian fans, as Bumrah has been in sensational form recently, delivering match-winning performances for India. In the meantime, the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has made some tough calls for the Champions Trophy squad. Mohammed Siraj, who has been part of India’s pace attack, was dropped in favor of Mohammed Shami, who has made a successful comeback following a serious injury. Alongside Shami, Arshdeep Singh also earned a spot in the squad, further bolstering India’s pace attack. However, the uncertainty surrounding Bumrah's fitness leaves the team with some tough decisions to make in the coming weeks.
Jasprit Bumrah, who was also included in India’s squad for the third ODI against England, is now highly unlikely to participate in the match due to his ongoing recovery from a back injury. Although Bumrah remains part of India’s Champions Trophy squad, his fitness remains a significant concern. In his potential absence, Harshit Rana has already been named for the first two ODIs against England, and the Delhi pacer could be called up for the third ODI as well as the Champions Trophy, provided Bumrah doesn’t regain full fitness in time.
However, reports suggest that Mohammed Siraj, who was dropped from the initial Champions Trophy squad, could make a surprise comeback. Siraj’s experience, particularly in high-pressure situations, could see him being brought in as a replacement for Bumrah if the team feels he is the right fit. The uncertainty surrounding Bumrah’s fitness has left the Indian selectors with some important decisions to make, with all eyes on his recovery and whether he will be ready to feature in the global event. Meanwhile, the pace attack is being closely monitored to ensure the best possible lineup for both the ODI series and the Champions Trophy.
"The BCCI medical team is in touch with Schouten in New Zealand. The board had also planned a visit for Bumrah to New Zealand. But that hasn't happened yet. The selectors know it will be a miracle if Bumrah turns up 100% fit in the given timeline," a BCCI source told TOI.
It’s worth mentioning that Dr. Rowan Schouten, the orthopedic surgeon assessing Jasprit Bumrah’s back injury, had previously operated on him after Bumrah missed the 2022 T20 World Cup. Bumrah, who has been plagued by back issues in the past, has undergone extensive medical evaluation as he races to regain full fitness ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. As part of the recovery process, Bumrah, along with India’s Test vice-captain and other pacers who featured in the majority of Test matches, was advised to go through a three-week offloading program.
This process is designed to help fast bowlers recover by ensuring they avoid any form of strenuous physical activity, including basic fitness training. The goal of this offloading is to allow their bodies, particularly the muscles and joints, to recover fully without the stress of high-impact training or match play. This recovery period is crucial for Bumrah, especially considering his importance to India’s pace attack, and the selectors are closely monitoring his progress ahead of the Champions Trophy.
"The reports will be shared with his doctor in New Zealand. Sending Bumrah to New Zealand will depend on the feedback. The board and Bumrah himself are not willing to push hard given his significance over a long period of time,” the source said.
“The selectors will only be informed if he is ready to take the field after the entire process is complete. The selectors will need to keep a backup plan ready for him. It will be a miracle if Bumrah makes it,” the source added.
The Champions Trophy is set to kick off on February 19, with India playing their opening match against Bangladesh on February 20. As the excitement builds for the global event, India will first face England in a three-match ODI series, starting on February 6. This series will serve as crucial preparation for both teams, with the focus firmly on fine-tuning strategies and player fitness ahead of the Champions Trophy. For India, it's especially important, as they look to solidify their squad and ensure key players, like Jasprit Bumrah, are in peak condition. With only a short window before the tournament, both the ODI series and the build-up to the Champions Trophy will be pivotal for India's chances of success in 2025. The India vs England three-match ODI series will offer an opportunity for the team to test their plans, while the Champions Trophy itself will be the ultimate test.