Champions Trophy 2025: There are very few days left for the start of the Champions Trophy, but before that, disappointing news has come to the Indian cricket fans. After the embarrassing defeat in the Test series against New Zealand and Australia, cricket fans have high expectations from Team India in the Champions Trophy, but it is considered difficult for the Indian team’s star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to play during the Champions Trophy. Bumrah is struggling with the problem of back injury and his problem has not been resolved yet.
Bumrah was injured during the fifth Test match against Australia and due to this he did not even bowl in the second innings of Australia. He is struggling with fitness problem but despite this he has been included in Team India for the Champions Trophy. Now a media report states that it is very difficult for Bumrah to play during the Champions Trophy.
Decision will be taken on the report of New Zealand doctor
The Champion Trophy is going to start on 19th February while its final match will be played on 9th March. In this tournament, the Indian team will play its first match against Bangladesh on 20 February, while on 23 February, Team India will face its arch-rival Pakistan. Meanwhile, according to a report published in an English newspaper, clouds of doubt are looming over Jasprit Bumrah’s play in this tournament.
Before the start of the tournament, New Zealand orthopedic surgeon Dr. Rowan Schouten will evaluate Bumrah’s back injury. The decision regarding Bumrah’s playing will be taken only on the report of Dr. Schouten. After receiving the doctor’s report, a decision regarding Bumrah will be taken by BCCI. Bumrah was troubled by back pain problem in 2022 also. For this reason, he could not even participate in the T20 World Cup held in Australia at that time.
BCCI’s backup plan
According to the newspaper report, BCCI is also working on Bumrah’s backup plan. BCCI is also assuming that the chances of Bumrah being fit in time are now very less. During the announcement of the team for the Champions Trophy, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had said that Jasprit Bumrah can be included in the team for the third ODI against England, although we do not have much expectations from him.
BCCI sources say that the board has kept in touch with the New Zealand doctor. The board also plans to send Bumrah to New Zealand. However, its date has not been decided yet. Experts say that if Bumrah becomes completely fit, it will be considered miraculous. According to the conditions so far, it is considered very difficult for Bumrah to play in the Champions Trophy.
Champions Trophy schedule
19 February- Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi
20 February- India vs Bangladesh, Dubai
21 February-Afghanistan vs South Africa, Karachi
22 February- Australia vs England, Lahore
23 February-Pakistan vs India, Dubai
24 February-Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Rawalpindi
25 February- Australia vs South Africa, Rawalpindi
26 February- Afghanistan vs England, Lahore
27 February- Pakistan vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
28 February- Afghanistan vs Australia, Lahore
March 1- South Africa vs England, Karachi
March 2- New Zealand vs India, Dubai
March 4- Semifinal 1, Dubai
March 5-Semifinal 2, Lahore
March 9- Final- Lahore/Dubai
Teams have been divided into these two groups: Group A-Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and New Zealand.
Group B-Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa.
