NEW DELHI, Jan 7: An injury scare for the Indian cricket fans. The star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah may have to miss the prestigious Champions Trophy to be held next month on hybrid model.
The injury incurred by Bumrah on the second day of the final test against Australia in Sydney last week seems to be worse than it was initially believed. Though the injury was defined as a mere ‘back spasm’ when Bumrah left the field for a hospital on Day 2 of the Test, the trouble is likely to keep him on the sidelines for a longer period.
A report has claimed that while Bumrah is set to miss the entire white-ball assignment against England – featuring 5 T20Is and 3 ODIs – his participation in the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy is also in danger.
India has already seen Bumrah miss some crucial events due to injury issues and the selectors are keen not to let that happen again. Hence, risking the senior pacer against England is all but out of question. Bumrah is likely to be included in the India’s Champions Trophy squad if he can participate in any of the crucial matches.
The team management would require clearance from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) medical staff if Bumrah is to be used in the ICC event. “A little frustrating (on injury) but sometimes you have to respect your body, and you can’t fight your body,” Bumrah had said after the conclusion of the Sydney Test. “Sometimes, you have to accept. Would have loved to bowl on the spiciest wicket of the series. Just had a little discomfort after the first innings.”
Some of the other players who have been out of action for a while like Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav are also reportedly being monitored over a potential comeback. Mohammad Siraj is expected to be rested is expected to be rested for the T20I series against England but is likely to find his name in the squad list for the ODI assignment against the same side. He is also likely to be picked for the Champions Trophy, alongside Arshdeep Singh.
(Manas Dasgupta)
