Mumbai: Jasprit Bumrah is gradually recovering from experiencing back spasms in the second innings of the Sydney Test in January. According to reports, Bumrah has started to bowl in the nets of the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru and is gradually easing into painful back spasm while increasing his waistline under the watch of BCCI’s fitness experts.
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The national selectors face a significant dilemma. His unmatched skills would greatly help him in the Champion’s Trophy starting on 19th February but could spell the end for his fitness. Considering most factors, these Indian experts are asking themselves if the answer lies in asking him to start the final Champions Trophy squad without checking his back or fitness in any level of competition first. The final available deadline to submit the squad is Tuesday midnight. After this, he would have to get the replacement player approved by the ICC technical team.
Bumrah, after performing back scans in Bengaluru has started to bowl. It is difficult to tell based on no evidence if he will be fit and available to meet this goal. The best chance is to attempt him in a practice battle in Bengaluru before the rest of the India team rotates over to Dubai on 15th February.
When the selection committee picked Bumrah for the provisional squad, Agarkar made it clear that the speedster has been told to “off-load for five weeks and he won’t be available for the first two ODIs against England.” It’s highly likely at this point that Bumrah will miss the third ODI on Wednesday too.
Such a decision would not come without precedent if Bumrah does miss the early parts of the Champions Trophy. Head was selected to the 2023 ODI World Cup squad while he was recuperating from a broken hand. The Australian left handed opener missed the first three matches and then went on to make significant contributions during Australia’s victories, including the final.
Bumrah and a fast bowler’s injured back carries greater risk. That decision will still have to be made with great care. It’s probable that fresh discussions will be held between the India team management, Agarkar, and the BCCI medical unit on Tuesday. If deemed too risky, the emerging viable back-up, Harshit Rana, would have to be chosen. He has shown good pace against England, capturing four wickets in two matches to date. Read more sports news like on Here laserbook