Jasprit Bumrah shares first update after failing to get fit for the ICC Champions Trophy

Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah shared an update on his recovery via social media on Thursday, February 13, posting a photo from the National Cricketer Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. The 31-year-old pacer has been sidelined with a lower back injury, which he sustained during the final Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Despite still being in recovery, Bumrah was initially named in India’s provisional squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. However, on February 11, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially announced that Bumrah would miss the tournament, with Harshit Rana selected as his replacement.

“Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to a lower back injury. The Men’s Selection Committee has brought in Harshit Rana as his replacement.”

During a press conference following India’s 3-0 ODI series win over England on February 12, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir spoke about Bumrah’s absence.

“Of course, he won’t be available, but I can’t provide further details on the duration of his absence. The medical team will decide that, and it’s up to them to communicate how long he’ll be sidelined as he’s being assessed at the NCA.”

He acknowledged that while Bumrah’s injury was a setback, it presented an opportunity for players like Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh to step up and make a significant impact. Gambhir also noted the positive return of Mohammed Shami, adding valuable experience to the squad.

“We were really hoping to have him in the squad, knowing the kind of impact he can have – he’s a world-class player. But some things are beyond our control. This opens up an opportunity for younger players, like Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh, to step up and make a difference for the team.”

“Such situations often open up opportunities that players must seize. Harshit has been outstanding throughout the series, taking crucial wickets, and we all know the quality Arshdeep brings. While Bumrah will surely be missed, having a seasoned player like Mohammad Shami back adds valuable experience to the squad.”

India will kick off their 2025 Champions Trophy campaign with a match against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20.

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