Image: Jasprit Bumrah dismissed rumours of being advised bed rest due to an injury / © The Daily Guardian
India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has dismissed recent rumors suggesting he has been advised bed rest due to swelling on his back. The claims, originating from a report by The Times of India, alleged that Bumrah’s condition might require treatment at the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, casting doubt on his participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Bumrah addressed the speculation humorously on social media, calling the report “fake news” and tagging the source as unreliable. The post has since been deleted.
Bumrah’s fitness is under scrutiny after suffering a back spasm during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Despite this, he had an outstanding season, taking 32 wickets in nine innings against Australia and earning the Player of the Series award. In December 2024, he claimed 22 wickets in three Tests at an average of 14.22, solidifying his position as the ICC’s top-ranked Test bowler. His performances also earned him nominations for the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year and the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy.
The BCCI has delayed announcing India’s squad for the Champions Trophy due to uncertainties surrounding Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav’s fitness. India begins their campaign on February 20, 2025, against Bangladesh in Dubai.