Jasprit Bumrah’s Absence From ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Leaves Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has kicked off with intense cricketing action, but for Indian fans, the absence of their ace pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, remains a heartbreaking reality. The star bowler, who has been the backbone of India’s pace attack for years, was ruled out of the tournament due to a lower back injury suffered during the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney earlier this year. However, a recent update from his wife and sports presenter, Sanjana Ganesan, has sparked hope regarding his recovery and future comeback.

The Injury That Shook Team India

Bumrah’s injury came as a massive setback to India’s bowling arsenal. The incident occurred during the Sydney Test, played from January 3 to January 5, 2025. The speedster bowled tirelessly, showcasing his trademark precision and pace, but as the match progressed, his body gave in. Bumrah was unable to take the field in the second innings, raising concerns among fans and team management alike. Subsequent scans revealed a stress reaction in his lower back, an injury that required immediate medical attention.

To prevent any aggravation, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) placed Bumrah under a strict five-week “off-loading” period, which entailed complete rest. Despite being named in India’s provisional squad for the ICC Champions Trophy, caution prevailed. The BCCI ultimately decided to withdraw him from the tournament, replacing him with young fast bowler Harshit Rana. This move was aimed at avoiding a repeat of Bumrah’s injury struggles from 2022, where a rushed return led to a prolonged layoff.

The Impact of Bumrah’s Absence

Bumrah’s absence leaves a gaping hole in India’s bowling attack. His remarkable performances in 2024 saw him claim a staggering 86 wickets across formats, earning him prestigious accolades such as ICC Cricketer of the Year and Test Cricketer of the Year. His ability to deliver under pressure, whether with the new ball or at the death, makes him irreplaceable.

With Bumrah sidelined, the onus now falls on veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami to spearhead the attack. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh and the newly drafted Harshit Rana will also play crucial roles in maintaining India’s bowling prowess. While these bowlers possess talent and skill, Bumrah’s unique ability to extract movement and deception remains unparalleled.

Sanjana Ganesan’s Reassuring Update

Just ahead of India’s opening match against Bangladesh on February 20, fans received a much-needed update on Bumrah’s recovery. Sanjana Ganesan, a prominent sports presenter and Bumrah’s wife, provided a positive insight during an interview with Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

When asked about Bumrah’s current status, Sanjana stated, “He is okay. He is training at the NCA.”

Her brief yet reassuring statement confirmed that Bumrah has moved past the initial rest phase and has commenced his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. This is a crucial milestone, signaling that the speedster is on the path to regaining full fitness.

Jasprit Bumrah’s Road to Recovery at NCA

Bumrah’s rehabilitation is being closely monitored by the NCA’s medical team, which includes renowned strength and conditioning coach Rajnikanth Sivagnanam, physiotherapist Thulasi Ram Yuvraj, and sports science expert Dr. Nitin Patel. The BCCI has maintained a veil of secrecy around his progress, but insiders confirm that he has started light gym sessions and skill-based rehabilitation.

The recovery process follows a structured “Return to Play” protocol designed to ensure gradual progression without risking re-injury. Currently, Bumrah is focusing on strength training and mobility exercises, but he is yet to resume bowling. His return to full-fledged training will depend on clearance from the NCA’s medical team. Once approved, fast-bowling coach Troy Cooley will oversee his skill training and reintegration into competitive cricket.

The BCCI is exercising extreme caution in Bumrah’s case, learning from past mistakes. In 2022, an ill-advised attempt to rush him back into the squad resulted in an extended injury layoff. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar emphasized that Bumrah’s exclusion from the Champions Trophy was purely precautionary, as there was uncertainty about his ability to bowl at full intensity by the tournament’s start.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s Candid Reaction

While Indian fans are disappointed by Bumrah’s absence, players from rival teams, particularly Bangladesh, have expressed a sense of relief. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, a key member of Bangladesh’s squad, did not shy away from admitting his feelings during his conversation with Sanjana Ganesan.

“He is a very different bowler and very dangerous, uff! He is not coming here. We are very happy! He is very dangerous. Everybody respects him. Every batter. I got out against him two times. He has improved a lot. He bowls both ways,” Miraz remarked in an ICC interview.

His candid acknowledgment highlights Bumrah’s fearsome reputation in world cricket. Since his international debut in 2016, the Indian speedster has amassed 149 ODI wickets, consistently troubling batters with his unpredictable variations and pinpoint accuracy. His ability to move the ball both ways and deliver unplayable yorkers makes him a nightmare for opposition teams.

Looking Ahead: When Can Fans Expect Bumrah’s Return?

The million-dollar question remains—when will Bumrah be back in action? While there is no official timeline for his return, sources suggest that he could be fit in time for India’s home Test series against New Zealand in March 2025. However, his participation will depend on how his body responds to the final stages of rehabilitation.

The BCCI’s top priority is to have Bumrah fully fit for the ICC T20 World Cup 2025, scheduled to take place later in the year. Given his crucial role in India’s bowling attack, the team management is unlikely to take any risks with his recovery.

A Silver Lining Amidst the Setback

While Bumrah’s absence from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is undoubtedly a setback for Team India, the positive updates from Sanjana Ganesan and the NCA offer a silver lining. His structured rehabilitation plan ensures that he is receiving the best possible care, and his progress so far is encouraging.

For now, Indian fans can only wait patiently, hoping for their bowling maestro to make a strong comeback. As the Champions Trophy unfolds, all eyes will be on India’s pacers, who must step up in Bumrah’s absence. Meanwhile, the cricketing world eagerly awaits the return of one of the most feared fast bowlers in the modern era—Jasprit Bumrah.

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