Fresh update sheds light on Jasprit Bumrah’s recovery progress

Jasprit Bumrah sustained a back injury sustained in the final Border-Gavaskar Test match against Australia in Sydney, which has kept him sidelined since, even ruling him out of India's triumphant Champions Trophy campaign.

The Mumbai Indians pacer has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru as he works towards regaining full fitness heading into the Indian Premier League, starting 22 March.

Speaking on the injury, Sri Lankan legend and Mumbai Indians head coach, Mahela Jayawardene said in the pre-tournament press conference, “[Bumrah] has just started his progress. We have to wait and see what their [BCCI medical team] feedback is on him."

"At the moment, everything is going well. But, obviously, it is on a day-to-day basis. He is in good spirits. Not having him is a challenge. He is one of the best bowlers in the world and he has been a fantastic pro for us for many years,” Jayawardena added on the fitness of the Indian pacer.

Bumrah has played all his IPL cricket for the Mumbai Indians with 165 wickets in 133 matches.

After picking up a back injury during the final Test against Australia, Bumrah was advised to five weeks of rest but was in a race against time to be fit for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy.

He was included in the provisional squad announced by India’s Chief Selector, Ajit Agarkar in January, but had to be omitted from the final squad due to discomfort after scans in early February.

This was the first time Bumrah had gone down to a back-related injury since March 2023, when he had surgery. He subsequently missed the IPL for Mumbai Indians and the ICC World Test Championship Final which India eventually lost to Australia.

The ICC Men’s Player of the Year 2024 was in imperious form for India in his last series in Australia, tormenting the Australian batting order on numerous occasions.

Bumrah picked an incredible 32 wickets across five matches and finished as the highest wicket-taker as well as Player of the Series. However, despite his good form, India succumbed to a 3-1 loss in Australia.

India will be eager to have their premier pacer fully fit as they prepare to take on England in the first series upcoming 2025-27 cycle World Test Championship cycle, starting 20 June.