Bumrah Denies Bed Rest Reports Amid Injury Concerns Ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Reports claim India's star pacer had been instructed to rest at home
MUMBAI: India’s star pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, has strongly refuted recent reports claiming that he had been prescribed bed rest due to a back injury, quashing growing speculation about his availability for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Taking to social media on January 15, Bumrah dismissed the rumors, calling them “fake news” and expressing his disbelief over the exaggerated claims. The 29-year-old paceman, who played a pivotal role in India’s victory during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 against Australia, had sustained a back injury during the final Test of the series. Initial assessments pointed to back spasms and swelling, leading to concerns regarding his fitness for the Champions Trophy, scheduled to begin on February 19.
In his statement, Bumrah clarified that his recovery was on track and that he was not confined to bed rest, as some reports had suggested. “I know fake news is easy to spread, but this made me laugh. Sources unreliable,” Bumrah wrote on social media, accompanied by a laughing emoji.
Although Bumrah’s medical team has recommended rest to manage the swelling and aid in his recovery, the pacer has not been confined to strict bed rest. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had earlier indicated that Bumrah would be monitored closely, with the pacer potentially reporting to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru for further assessment, although the exact timeline for his visit remained unclear.
The uncertainty surrounding Bumrah’s availability has added to the anticipation ahead of the BCCI’s announcement of the squad for the Champions Trophy, expected on January 19. The final decision will likely depend on Bumrah’s recovery, with the BCCI exercising caution due to the packed cricketing calendar for 2025, which includes the Champions Trophy, a series against England, the Indian Premier League (IPL), and a Test tour of England.
Read more: England Announces Jos Buttler-Led Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Bumrah’s injury concerns have come under scrutiny, particularly following his heavy workload during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, in which he claimed 32 wickets. While his performances were crucial to India’s success, the toll on his body—especially his back—was expected.
As the recovery process continues, all eyes will be on Bumrah’s fitness ahead of India’s squad selection for the Champions Trophy, with fans hopeful that the pacer will be fit to play in the prestigious tournament.
