As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, all eyes are on Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness. The ace Indian pacer has been sidelined due to a back injury, leaving fans and selectors anxious about his availability. With rehabilitation underway and the squad deadline looming, the BCCI faces a critical decision. Will Bumrah make a triumphant return, or will India have to rethink its pace attack? Here’s a deep dive into the latest updates surrounding his recovery and potential comeback.
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India's premier pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, has commenced rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, signaling a crucial step in his comeback journey.
The BCCI is in no hurry to replace Bumrah, similar to their previous stance on Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill, keeping hopes alive for his return.
The deadline for squad changes is February 11, but BCCI could seek further replacements later if Bumrah fails to recover in time.
Reports indicate Bumrah will begin gym workouts and light bowling sessions within 24-48 hours, hinting at a possible recovery before the Champions Trophy.
Bumrah suffered a back injury during the Sydney Test against Australia, which sidelined him for over a month.
While initially named in India's ODI squad against England, Bumrah was omitted, and his participation in the third ODI remains uncertain.
The BCCI medical team has conducted scans and assessments, but no detailed public update has been provided.
Bumrah is expected to feature in crucial games, with the team management cautious about overusing their star bowler.
Varun Chakaravarthy and Harshit Rana have been added to the squad, providing backup options in case Bumrah is not fully fit.
India’s captain hinted that Chakaravarthy could be a key asset in the tournament, depending on how the bowling unit shapes up.
Sources indicate Bumrah is being prepared primarily for India's high-stakes clash against Pakistan on February 23.
The board has a precedent of waiting until the last moment to decide on injured players, as seen with Pandya and Gill.
Bumrah’s progress will be scrutinized with another round of assessments before a final decision is made on his tournament involvement.
With Bumrah’s uncertainty, Mohammed Shami is expected to spearhead India's pace attack if required.
India is maintaining flexibility with squad selections, ensuring they are covered in case of Bumrah’s non-availability.
Bumrah has a history of bouncing back from injuries, adding to the belief that he can still play a role in the tournament.
With no concrete timeline for his return, fans are left speculating whether Bumrah will take the field in the Champions Trophy.
When questioned about Bumrah’s availability, India’s bowling coach refrained from making any definitive statements, adding to the suspense.
Experts believe an unfit Bumrah could significantly reduce India’s odds of winning the Champions Trophy.
A definitive decision on Bumrah’s inclusion will likely be made just days before India's opening match on February 20 against Bangladesh.
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