India face Champions Trophy challenge as pacer Bumrah's injury looms large

India's star pacer Jasprit Bumrah might not be able to feature in this year's Champions Trophy due to injury, potentially weakening side's bowling attack, local media reported on Sunday citing sources.

One of the finest Indian quicks, Bumrah is injured and has been directed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to visit the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for rehabilitation in Bengaluru.

The sources said Bumrah might be incorporated to the Champions Trophy squad but his availability to play will depend on how quickly he recovers.

Bumrah, the highest wicket-taker in the recent Test series with Australia which India lost 3-1, had back spasms during the second day of final Test in Sydney, which forced him out of the match midway. He was taken from the stadium for scans.

"Since he is injured and will report to NCA for his rehab. As of now, we are hoping that he will be fine soon but not very sure about it as far as his selection is concerned," India Today reported quoting sources privy to the matter as saying.

"Selectors will take call but sources indicated that he will be in the provisional squad as subject to fitness addition. A final call will be taken soon," they maintained.

Meanwhile, the 30-year-old fast bowler has officially been axed from the five-match T20 international series with England, the BCCI announced on Saturday. He has been replaced by Mohammad Shami.

His absence could deal a significant blow to the Men in Blue.

Overwork

Recently, Bumrah has faced an excessive workload, having bowled over 150 overs in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the Test series between India and Australia. Earlier, sources told the PTI news agency that Bumrah's back spasms and subsequent injury were directly linked to the strain he endured during the series.

The BCCI has not released any official statements regarding the player’s condition, leaving it unclear what specific injury he is suffering from.

If it is a Grade 1 injury, it will require at least two to three weeks of rehabilitation before he can return to the national side. For a Grade 2 injury, recovery could take up to six weeks. In the case of a Grade 3 injury, the most severe type, at least three months of rest and rehabilitation would be necessary.