India star Jasprit Bumrah may not be able to participate in this year’s Champions Trophy due to injury, which could weaken the team’s bowling attack, local media reported on Sunday citing sources.
One of the best Indian fast bowlers, Bumrah was injured and has been directed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to visit the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for rehabilitation in Bengaluru.
Sources said that Bumrah may be included in the Champions Trophy squad but his readiness to play will depend on how quickly he recovers.
Bumrah, the highest-paid bowler in the recent Test series with Australia which India lost 3-1, suffered back spasms during the second day of the final Test in Sydney, forcing him to exit the match midway through. He was taken from the stadium for tests.
“Given his injury and he will report to NCA for his rehabilitation. As of now, we are hopeful that he will be fine soon but we are not entirely sure about that as far as his selection is concerned,” India Today reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. It matters, he says.
“Candidates will receive a call but sources indicated that he will be in the provisional team subject to fitness addition. The final call will be taken soon,” they confirmed.
Meanwhile, the 30-year-old fast bowler has been officially ruled out of the five-match T20 International series with England, BCCI announced on Saturday. He was replaced by Muhammad Al-Shami.
His absence could deal a major blow to the Men in Blue.
overwork
Recently, Bumrah faced an excessive workload, as he bowled over 150 runs in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Test series between India and Australia. Earlier, sources told news agency PTI that Bumrah’s back spasms and subsequent injuries were directly linked to the stress he underwent during the series.
The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry did not issue any official statements regarding the player’s condition, making it unclear what specific injury he is suffering from.
If the injury is grade 1, it will require at least two to three weeks of rehabilitation before he can return to the national team. For a grade 2 injury, recovery may take up to six weeks. In the case of a third-degree injury, the most severe type, at least three months of rest and rehabilitation will be necessary.