Champions Trophy 2025: The Jasprit Bumrah factor - Injuries, importance and alternatives

The ICC Champions Trophy is right around the corner and India is set to play its matches in Dubai, with their first game against Bangladesh on February 20t, 2025. However, unlike major teams like Australia, India has yet to announce its squad. Further, adding to woes is the fitness quotient of star bowler, Jasprit Bumrah.

What happened to Jasprit Bumrah and what are his injuries?

Incidentally, the cricketer had suffered a back spasm during the fifth and final Test against Australia earlier this month and had to bow out during play at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

As such, he is currently dealing with a stress-related back injury. While initial scans did not reveal a stress fracture, there is swelling in his back, and he has been advised bed rest.

Which matches did Jasprit Bumrah miss because of injuries?

Notably, Bumrah has faced this recurring back injury and has also undergone surgery for the same. Given his injuries, he has missed out on playing for India in key matches during the Asia Cup 2022, the T20 World Cup 2022, the World Test Championship final in 2023, and multiple bilateral series, including the Sri Lanka ODI in 2023. Moreover, he also missed the entire IPL 2023 season because of it.

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Why Jasprit Bumrah is important for Team India?

Jasprit Bumrah's presence is vital for India. A key fast bowler, he is known for his ability to bowl yorkers in the death overs, take wickets with the new ball, and provide crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs.

Often considered India's spearhead and a crucial component of the bowling attack, Bumrah has also captained the side in a few matches as well, most recently during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Test.

Will Jasprit Bumrah be fit for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

Jasprit Bumrah's participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 is uncertain. While online reports have surfaced that Bumrah is likely to feature in the squad, his participation remains doubtful. He may be included in the squad provisionally, subject to fitness.

Recovery from a stress fracture can take several months, and the selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, may want Bumrah to play at least one competitive match before the tournament to assess his fitness.

Who are the other fast bowlers in contention for the Champions Trophy if Bumrah is unavailable?

If Bumrah is unavailable, India may consider Mohammed Shami, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Umran Malik, and Shardul Thakur as stand-ins for the Champions Trophy 2025.

ALSO READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Jasprit Bumrah likely to miss group stage matches

Current status:

In squad news, reports suggest Sanju Samson may be excluded because of his decision to skip practice sessions with the Kerala state team during the Vijay Hazare Trophy to stay in Dubai.

At the time of publishing of this article, a press conference for Team India's squad announcement was underway but yet to be declared.