Jasprit Bumrah, India’s leading pace bowler, is expected to miss the majority of the upcoming white-ball series against England due to back spasms sustained during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
This injury has raised concerns regarding his fitness ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19.
Bumrah Injury Details
Bumrah experienced back spasms during the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney, where he was unable to bowl in the second innings after delivering only 10 overs in the first.
Reports indicate that Bumrah’s excessive workload—having bowled over 150 overs throughout the series—contributed to this injury.
He was instrumental for India, taking 32 wickets at an impressive average of 13.06, but the strain has now put his participation in future matches in jeopardy.
The exact grade of Bumrah’s injury is still under evaluation. If it is classified as a Grade 1 injury, he may require two to three weeks for rehabilitation.
A Grade 2 injury could extend his recovery to six weeks, while a Grade 3 injury would necessitate at least three months off from competitive cricket.
Given these timelines, it seems increasingly likely that Bumrah will be rested for the entire series against England, which includes five T20Is starting January 22 and three ODIs beginning February 6.
Impact on Team Selection
With Bumrah sidelined, India will miss a key player as they prepare for their matches against England and subsequently for the Champions Trophy.
The selectors are expected to focus on ensuring that Bumrah is fully fit for the ICC event rather than risking further aggravation of his injury during the white-ball series.
In his absence, India will rely on other players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Shreyas Iyer to step up in both batting and bowling departments.
Rohit and Kohli bring vast experience and leadership to the team, while Hardik Pandya’s all-round capabilities can help fill some gaps left by Bumrah’s absence.
Shreyas Iyer’s form will also be crucial as he aims to solidify his position in the middle-order.
