Jasprit Bumrah's participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy seems to be in serious jeopardy, with the Indian pace spearhead asked to rest at home.
Bumrah, who finished the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as the leading wicket-taker with 32 scalps to his name, arrived home last week after a dauting five-Test tour of Australia.
According to a TOI report, Bumrah has been advised complete bed rest, and it is highly unlikely that the BCCI will rush his recovery process.
The report also stated that Bumrah will have to report to BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, but the date of his check-in is yet to be known.
"Bumrah could go to the CoE next week but right now there is no fixed date yet. He has been advised bed rest at home to help the muscles recover and the swelling to subside. Once that is done, future course of action will be ascertained," TOI quoted a source as saying.
The right-arm quick sustained the back injury during the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia in Sydney, and was unable to bowl in the second innings.
While initial reports suggested that it was a case of swelling, Bumrah could be out of action for longer than expected as the "stakeholders" don't want to aggravate his injury.
"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 with him - wrap him in cotton wool and preserve the talent like him," the report added.
Earlier, it was reported Bumrah might be named in India’s preliminary Champions Trophy squad, and the final call on his participation will be taken on the basis of recovery. However, the latest development could put his participation in the ICC showpiece under serious doubt.
"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," Ramji Srinivasan, former India strength and conditioning coach, told TOI.
The Champions Trophy is slated to get underway on February 19 with the Pakistan versus New Zealand clash in Karachi, while India will open their campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh in Dubai.
(With TOI Inputs)
