Despite suffering a back injury during the recent Test series in Australia, Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has denied local media claims that he is on bed rest at home.
Indian media reports had earlier claimed that Bumrah, who captained the first and last Test matches of the five-match series against the Australians and was also Man of the Series, was advised to take a rest after suffering a back injury. Reports also said that the player will not be in a rush to return to the team, casting doubt on his participation in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan next month.
In response to the report, the star said he knows it’s easy to spread fake news, but this is ridiculous. He added, “The sources are not reliable.”
The tweet that Bumrah cited on his X account for his response was later deleted.
Indian media also reported that Bumrah was instructed to go to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for rehabilitation in Bengaluru after he suffered swelling in his back.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also delayed the unveiling of the 15-member Champions Trophy 2025 squad by one week due to his injury concerns after requesting an extension on the deadline, when the Champions Trophy squad was supposed to be announced by 2025. January 12.
The right-arm pacer’s fitness status has been reported to the national selectors, who met in Mumbai on Saturday to select the team for the upcoming T20 International series against England.
“He (Bumrah) will go to NCA for rehabilitation. Initial reports suggest there is no fracture, but rather swelling in his back. NCA will monitor his recovery, and he will remain there for three weeks. Even after that, he will need to play,” a BCCI source said. “One or two games – even playing games – to assess his fitness.”
Bumrah bowled 151.2 overs during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, taking 32 wickets at an impressive average of 13.06 and a strike rate of 28.3.
It is worth noting that the Champions Cup tournament with the participation of eight teams, which consists of 15 matches, will be held from February 19 to March 9 in stadiums in Pakistan and Dubai.
The teams are divided into two groups: the first group includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand and Bangladesh, while the second group includes Afghanistan, South Africa, England and Australia.
The opening match of the tournament will see hosts Pakistan take on New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi.
The much-anticipated confrontation between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is scheduled to take place on February 23 in Dubai.
India Champions Trophy Schedule:
February 20, Bangladesh vs India, Dubai
February 23, Pakistan vs India, Dubai
March 2, New Zealand vs India, Dubai