Jasprit Bumrah on bed rest, comeback could be delayed further

As the BCCI weighs all its options for the ICC Champions Trophy, the participation of one of its key players is becoming increasingly uncertain. Currently, Jasprit Bumrah stands out as one of the few players in top form. However, riding high on his stellar performances, Bumrah endured a grueling run, playing all five BGT Tests down under. While the seamer finished as the highest wicket-taker in the series, he sustained a back injury during the final Test. Initially diagnosed as a back spasm, the injury now threatens to impact his availability for the marquee event scheduled to begin in February. Earlier updates on Bumrah's condition hinted at a potential return during the Champions Trophy knockouts. However, the latest report reveals that the 31-year-old pacer is currently on bed rest due to his ongoing back issues.

Jasprit Bumrah far from fit, could miss the entirety of ICC Champions Trophy

Jasprit Bumrah, when at his physical best, is a guaranteed match-winner for India, regardless of the format. However, with fate seemingly working against the Men in Blue, their star player might be unavailable for the entire ICC Champions Trophy. After Bumrah suffered a back spasm during the Sydney Test, the final fixture of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, it became certain that the seamer would miss the home white-ball series against England. This period, which includes five T20Is in January and three ODIs in early February, was initially seen as a buffer for Bumrah to regain full fitness ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. Yet, with his back injury taking longer than anticipated to heal, India could be compelled to play the marquee event without their premier pacer.

A recent report revealed that the star pacer has been advised bed rest, with no clear diagnosis yet. Bumrah reportedly suffered back spasms during the Sydney Test against Australia, but the BCCI has yet to issue an official update on the extent of his injury. According to the report, Bumrah's condition appears far from promising, and he is expected to report to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru for further assessment. It also noted that the 31-year-old is dealing with swelling in his back and is unlikely to return to action anytime soon. With no clear timeline for his recovery, his comeback to competitive cricket might be delayed further.

"Bumrah could go to the CoE next week but right now there is no fixed date yet. He has been advised bed rest at home to help the muscles recover and the swelling to subside. Once that is done, future course of action will be ascertained," a source informed.

Meanwhile, the Indian board has the task to lock the provisional squad for the Champions Trophy by Sunday. The respective participants, however, have the leniency to tweak their squads by February 13. While India announced the T20I squad for the home series against England, the Men in Blue are yet to come up with the ODI squad for both the bilateral and the ICC event. The ICC Champions Trophy is slated to kick off on February 19 in Pakistan before India opens the campaign of February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai. Reportedly, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is still awaiting Bumrah’s final medical report before making a decision on his inclusion in the India squad for Champions Trophy.

"Bed rest doesn't sound good. I hope it's not a disc bulge or a muscle swelling which is of a higher grade. The approach has to be similar with him - wrap him in cotton wool and preserve the talent like him," added the source further added about Bumrah's condition.