Report: Jasprit Bumrah advised bed rest, Champions Trophy availability in question

India’s star pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, has likely been advised bed rest at home following back swelling that came up after the tour of Australia. This development has raised concerns about his availability for the upcoming Champions Trophy, with a final call to be taken about his availability after his recovery and medical assessments.

Bumrah was seen struggling with his back during the Sydney Test against Australia, where he exited the field with discomfort and went for scans in mid-game. According to a TOI report, upon returning to India, he was advised bed rest, with swelling in his back requiring careful monitoring. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to confirm the exact nature of his injury, but sources indicate that Bumrah will report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru once the swelling subsides.

"Bumrah could go to the CoE (Centre of Excellence) next week, but right now there is no fixed date yet. He has been advised to rest at home to help the muscles recover and the swelling to subside. Once that is done, the future course of action will be ascertained. Bed rest doesn't sound good. I hope it's not a disc bulge or a muscle swelling, which is of a higher grade. The approach has to be similar to him - wrap him in cotton wool and preserve the talent like him," said a well-placed source.

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Swelling happens if there is a tear: Ramji Srinivasan

Former India strength and conditioning coach Ramji Srinivasan opened up about the swelling in muscle tissue, or it involves a disc, which will dictate the duration and intensity of rehabilitation.

"Swelling happens if there is a tear because of edema formation - which depends on the grade of tear in the muscle. If it's a disc bulge or swelling then recovery also depends on grade, individual capacity, medical intervention, and post-medical rehab work," says Srinivasan.

Meanwhile, with the Champions Trophy starting on February 19 in Pakistan and the UAE, the BCCI are yet to announce the squad. The selectors reportedly delayed the decision to assess Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav’s fitness. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, captain Rohit Sharma, and head coach Gautam Gambhir recently met in Mumbai to finalize the squad but Bumrah's availability is till in question.