Star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy has been cast into uncertainty due to an injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, sources have disclosed.
Bumrah has been directed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for rehabilitation.
Sources have revealed that Bumrah might still be named in the Champions Trophy squad, but his inclusion will hinge on the pace bowler's recovery.
“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,” sources informed.
Bumrah’s injury occurred on the second day of the final Test match in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
After bowling a solitary over following the Lunch break, he pulled out of action and was sent for scans. The pacer did not return to bowl in the final innings of the match.
The selectors are expected to include Bumrah in the provisional Champions Trophy squad, with a decision on his final selection dependent on medical assessments.
“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,” sources added.
Bumrah’s workload under scrutiny
The 30-year-old pacer, a vital cog in India’s bowling line-up, bowled over 150 overs during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Sources have hinted that his back spasms, which later evolved into an injury, might be linked to his excessive workload during the BGT series.
The BCCI has not yet issued an official statement regarding the nature or extent of Bumrah’s injury. It remains unclear whether the injury is classified as Grade 1, 2, or 3.
Medical experts have indicated that a Grade 1 injury would necessitate two to three weeks of rehabilitation before Return to Play (RTP).
A Grade 2 injury could extend the recovery period to six weeks, while a Grade 3 injury, the most severe, might require a minimum of three months of rest and rehabilitation.
Given that the Champions Trophy is on the horizon, Bumrah’s participation is seen as critical.
While it was anticipated that he would skip the upcoming T20I bilateral series, his involvement in at least two of the three ODIs against England was likely, barring injury concerns.
As fans await an update, the absence of one of India’s finest pacers would undoubtedly impact the team’s preparations for the prestigious tournament.
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