As India prepares for the much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025, their biggest concern is the fitness of ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who is set to host the 2024-2024 edition in Sydney. Suffered back spasm during the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 25 against Australia. Cricket Ground (SCG).

India’s premier pace bowler is now a doubt for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With the grand tournament set to begin on February 19, the uncertainty over Jasprit Bumrah’s participation has sent shockwaves through the Indian cricket fraternity.

Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness concerns ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Bumrah’s stellar performance in the five-Test series, taking 32 wickets in just nine innings, was highlighted by his absence from the New Year’s Test at the SCG, where India lost to Australia by six wickets India’s dependence on the Indian cricket team is on the seamer.

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The India pacer’s intense workload, which includes bowling over 150 overs in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, has ruled him out of the second innings of the Sydney Test and now his availability for the upcoming There is also uncertainty about the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

Harbhajan Singh slams Team India for overburdening Jasprit Bumrah

Faced with this setback, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh lashed out at the Indian cricket team management, accusing them of over-reliance on Jasprit Bumrah at every crucial juncture. Harbhajan highlighted how the pacer was overtaxed, leading to his body breaking down, which could now jeopardize India’s chances of participating in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Harbhajan Singh said on his YouTube channel: “The way he was being used was like squeezing juice from sugar cane. It was like, ‘Here comes Travis Hyde; give the ball to Bumrah. Here comes Manus; give the ball to Bumrah. Here comes Steve Smith; give the ball to Bumrah. How many overs will Bumrah bowl?

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He added: “He was reduced to the point where he was unavailable at the end. If he had been there, Australia might have won the fifth Test but they would have lost eight wickets; it would have been difficult for them. You hurt When it comes to his back, management should decide how many rotations he should be given.”

Team India awaits clarity on Jasprit Bumrah’s injury status

Notably, Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the upcoming white-ball series against England and the 2025 Champions Trophy remains uncertain as the extent of his back injury is yet to be determined. If the injury is minor (Grade 1), it could take Bumrah two to three weeks to recover and return to action.

However, grade two injuries may require up to six weeks of recovery. In the worst-case scenario, a grade three injury could sideline the star pacer for three months, rendering him unable to compete. The Indian cricket team management is closely monitoring the developments.

Meanwhile, the former World Cup winner criticized India’s squad selection for the fifth Border Test Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the SCG. Harbhajan Singh expressed frustration over the decision to play the two spinners Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja on the green, pace-friendly pitch.

The former India spinner said the failure of the selection added to India’s woes. “I can’t understand that despite playing so much cricket and watching so much cricket, you don’t understand something so small… what to do on a pitch like this,” he said.