India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah is reportedly set to miss the group-stage matches of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 due to a suspected back injury, according to Indian media reports on Sunday.
Reports indicate that Bumrah is dealing with a swollen back. The selection committee, which convened in Mumbai on Saturday to finalize India’s squad for the eight-team tournament, has been briefed on the bowler’s fitness concerns.
Bumrah has been advised to report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, where his fitness and rehabilitation will be closely supervised.
In light of this development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly requested an extension from the International Cricket Council (ICC) to finalize their squad. The deadline for squad announcements is Sunday.
The 31-year-old sustained the potential injury during India’s recent five-match Test series in Australia. During the series, Bumrah bowled 151.2 overs across five Tests and emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 32 dismissals at an average of 13.06, including three five-wicket hauls. However, he was unable to bowl in the second innings of the final Test and has since been rested from India’s upcoming T20I series against England.
A source close to the BCCI, quoted by Indian media, revealed that Bumrah will not be rushed back into the Champions Trophy squad, even if he regains fitness at the NCA.
“He will undergo rehabilitation at the NCA. Initial assessments indicate no fracture, but there is swelling in his back. His recovery will be monitored over three weeks. Even after that, he’ll need to prove match fitness by participating in at least one or two games, even if they are practice matches,” the source stated, as reported by The Indian Express.
Bumrah is expected to achieve full fitness by early March. Meanwhile, India’s group-stage matches in the Champions Trophy include a clash against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by a highly anticipated match against Pakistan on February 23. Their final group-stage fixture is scheduled for March 2 against New Zealand.