Jasprit Bumrah Likely to Miss England's White-Ball Series as BCCI Holds Back on Injury Grade Ahead of Champions Trophy

India’s premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, is expected to miss the upcoming white-ball series against England, which is set to begin on February 6, as he continues to recover from a back injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. With the Champions Trophy fast approaching, Bumrah's participation in the tournament, which will begin on February 19, is still a matter of concern for the Indian selectors and team management.

Bumrah, who had been a key performer for India throughout the Test series against Australia, suffered an injury on Day 2 of the decisive fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Despite the setback, Bumrah returned to bat the following morning, even though he had missed the warm-up session the day before. However, he was unable to bowl in Australia’s second innings as the hosts chased down 162 runs to win the match. Following his injury, Bumrah was promptly taken to a hospital for scans to determine the severity of his condition, though no official updates had been provided by the BCCI regarding the exact nature of the injury.

In the days following the match, Bumrah’s teammate Prasidh Krishna provided some insight into the situation, revealing that Bumrah was dealing with back spasms. According to Krishna, the injury could be a result of the excessive workload Bumrah had faced during the tour, having bowled over 150 overs and taken 32 wickets in the Test series. Given his workload, the fast bowler’s body had likely been subjected to significant strain, leading to the development of the back spasms that are now threatening his participation in upcoming series.

Despite the concern surrounding Bumrah’s injury, the full extent and grade of the problem have yet to be ascertained. Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that the BCCI has not yet determined whether Bumrah’s injury is Grade 1, Grade 2, or Grade 3, as additional tests and scans are ongoing. If the injury is classified as Grade 1, the recovery time would be relatively short, requiring a rehabilitation period of around two to three weeks. However, a Grade 2 injury would necessitate up to six weeks of rest and rehabilitation, while a Grade 3 injury—being the most severe—could require up to three months of recovery time before Bumrah would be fit to return to competitive cricket.

With the Champions Trophy scheduled to begin on February 19, the selectors are keen to ensure that Bumrah is fully fit for India’s campaign in the prestigious tournament. The team management, understanding the importance of Bumrah’s contribution in limited-overs cricket, has made it clear that he will be rested for the five-match T20I series against England, which begins on February 6. This move was always anticipated, as key players like Bumrah were expected to be given a break to focus on the 50-over format. 

However, Bumrah’s participation in the ODI series against England is now in jeopardy. If his injury is more severe than initially expected, particularly if it is diagnosed as a Grade 2 or higher injury, he may miss the entire series. The selectors will be closely monitoring his recovery, weighing the risks of rushing him back into action ahead of the Champions Trophy. India’s management is well aware of Bumrah’s importance to the team, and the priority will be to ensure that he is in peak condition for the crucial tournament. 

While Bumrah’s absence would undoubtedly be a blow to India’s white-ball plans, the team's leadership, including captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid, has emphasized the need for a careful and long-term approach to Bumrah’s fitness. As the team looks to build towards the Champions Trophy, ensuring that their best bowlers are fully fit and firing will be paramount. The BCCI’s medical staff will continue to work closely with Bumrah to monitor his recovery, and further updates are expected in the coming weeks.