BCCI To Manage Jasprit Bumrah’s Recovery Like Hardik Pandya? Latest Report Reveals Details

With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 around the corner, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly taking a cautious approach in handling Jasprit Bumrah’s injury, mirroring the strategy used for Hardik Pandya during the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Bumrah’s Injury and Recovery Timeline

The No.1-ranked ICC bowler in ODIs suffered a back spasm during the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney last month and was subsequently advised five weeks of rest.

Last International Appearance: 5th Test vs Australia (Sydney, January 2025)
Total International Matches Missed Due to Injury (2022-25): 24
Previous Major Injury: Stress fracture in the back (missed T20 World Cup 2022, Asia Cup 2022)
Current ICC Ranking (ODIs): 1st (742 points)
Current ICC Ranking (T20Is): 2nd (716 points)

Bumrah is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and recently underwent a second round of scans. The findings were internally reviewed by the BCCI, according to reports.

Will Bumrah Be Fit in Time for the Champions Trophy?

With only nine days left before the ICC Champions Trophy, the BCCI is reportedly in no rush to make a decision on his inclusion. According to a Times of India (TOI) report, selectors are prepared to wait until the last possible moment, similar to their approach with Hardik Pandya’s injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup.

Why BCCI Might Wait for Bumrah:

Match-Winning Record in ICC Tournaments

T20 World Cup 2021: 7 wickets in 5 matches (Economy: 5.08)
ODI World Cup 2023: 20 wickets in 11 matches (Economy: 4.06)
Overall ICC Tournament Record: 53 wickets in 26 matches

Bumrah’s Impact in the Champions Trophy

2017 Champions Trophy: 4 wickets in 5 matches
Best Performance: 2/28 vs Pakistan (Final)
Overall Champions Trophy Economy Rate: 4.75

India’s Squad Depth Without Bumrah

Probable replacements: Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh
Leading pacer this season: Siraj (23 wickets in last 10 ODIs)
Emerging contender: Varun Chakaravarthy (mystery spinner added to ODI squad vs England)

A BCCI source quoted by TOI stated:

“Even if there is a 1% chance, the BCCI is likely to wait. They followed the same approach with Hardik Pandya, delaying his replacement for nearly two weeks before bringing in Prasidh Krishna. Although Hardik’s injury occurred mid-tournament, a similar approach could be taken for Bumrah.”

BCCI Yet to Provide an Official Update on Bumrah’s Status

Despite over a month passing since Bumrah’s injury, the BCCI has yet to release an official statement regarding his recovery.

Official BCCI Injury Update: None since January 2025
Player’s Public Appearances: Spotted at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad attending a Coldplay concert
Fitness Speculation: Could be included as a last-minute squad addition if he passes fitness tests

Meanwhile, Varun Chakaravarthy has been added to India’s squad for the ongoing three-match ODI series against England, sparking speculation that he might be included in the Champions Trophy squad if Bumrah fails to recover in time.

What’s Next?

The final squad submission deadline for the Champions Trophy is February 12, 2025.

Scenarios for Bumrah’s Selection

If declared fit – He will be included in India’s squad but might not feature in the opening matches.
If not fully fit – BCCI might name a standby player (likely Varun Chakaravarthy or Prasidh Krishna) and monitor Bumrah’s fitness till the last moment.
If ruled out – India could go with a three-pronged pace attack of Siraj, Arshdeep, and Krishna, while adding a fourth bowler based on conditions.

With India aiming for another ICC title, Bumrah’s presence remains crucial. His availability could tilt the balance in India’s favor, given his track record in ICC tournaments and his lethal death-overs bowling ability.

Will Bumrah be India’s X-factor in the Champions Trophy? Or will BCCI be forced to name a last-minute replacement? Stay tuned for the latest updates!