Mumbai, February 4, 2025: In a significant setback for Team India, premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, starting this Thursday.
The decision comes just a day after Indian media reported that Bumrah had visited the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for scans on his injured back. Initially, the 30-year-old pacer was expected to miss only the first two ODIs, with hopes of returning for the final match to regain match fitness ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Last month, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had already indicated that Bumrah would be unavailable for the first two games due to medical advice requiring him to off-load for five weeks.
“Bumrah has been advised to rest for five weeks, so he won’t be available for the first two ODIs against England. His fitness update will be provided in early February by the medical team,” Agarkar had stated in a press conference.
He further mentioned that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would likely release an official statement regarding Bumrah’s medical condition after further assessment by the team physio.
Bumrah sustained the back injury during the final Test of India’s recent five-match series in Australia. Despite being named in India’s Champions Trophy squad, his latest setback raises concerns about his availability for the marquee tournament.