Setback for India: Jasprit Bumrah Advised Bed Rest Ahead of Champions Trophy

Team India’s pace ace, Jasprit Bumrah, faces uncertainty regarding his participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. The star bowler, known for his exceptional performance during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy where he bagged 32 wickets, has been advised bed rest following his return from a demanding tour of Australia.

According to a report by the Times of India (TOI), Bumrah is currently recuperating at home, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is unlikely to expedite his recovery process.

The report states that Bumrah is expected to report to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. However, no specific date for his check-in has been finalized yet.

“Bumrah could head to the CoE next week, but as of now, no fixed date has been decided. He has been advised complete bed rest to allow his muscles to recover and the swelling to subside. Once the swelling reduces, the next course of action will be determined,” a source told TOI.

Initial assessments suggest that Bumrah’s injury involves swelling, but the duration of his recovery remains uncertain. Stakeholders are reportedly being cautious to avoid aggravating the injury further.

“Bed rest doesn’t sound ideal. I hope it’s not a disc bulge or a higher-grade muscle swelling. Players like Bumrah need to be handled with care—wrapped in cotton wool, so to speak—to protect their immense talent,” the report added.

This development raises significant concerns about Bumrah’s availability for the Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19. India’s campaign kicks off on February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai.

Former India strength and conditioning coach, Ramji Srinivasan, shared his insights with TOI, emphasizing the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment. “Swelling often occurs due to edema formation, which is typically linked to muscle tears. Recovery depends on the grade of the tear, the individual’s capacity, medical intervention, and post-rehab work. If it’s a disc bulge or significant swelling, the timeline for recovery could be longer,” Srinivasan explained.

As Indian cricket fans anxiously await updates, all eyes will be on Bumrah’s rehabilitation process and the team’s preparations for the marquee tournament.