NEW DELHI: Jasprit Bumrah has been advised bed rest at home, with the next steps in his treatment to be determined after the swelling in his back subsides. The fast bowler returned home last week following a long tour of Australia, and his current condition is raising concerns.
Reliable sources suggest that while Bumrah is expected to report to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, no specific date has been set for his check-in.
“Bumrah may head to the CoE next week, but no fixed date has been finalized yet. For now, he has been advised to rest at home to allow his muscles to recover and the swelling to reduce. Only after that will the future course of action be decided,” said a source familiar with the matter.
Initial assessments indicate that the issue is limited to swelling in his back, and there is no plan to rush him back into action. Given his history of back problems, the priority is to avoid exacerbating the injury. However, uncertainty remains about the exact diagnosis. If the condition proves more serious than expected, Bumrah’s return could be delayed further.
“Bed rest isn’t an encouraging sign. Hopefully, it’s not a severe disc bulge or high-grade muscle swelling. With someone like Bumrah, the approach should always be cautious – treat him with care and protect such a valuable talent,” the source added.
Former India strength and conditioning coach Ramji Srinivasan emphasized that the duration of rest and recovery can only be determined after a thorough diagnosis. He explained that the nature of the swelling—whether in the muscle or the disc—plays a critical role in recovery time.
“Swelling occurs when there is a tear due to edema formation, which depends on the grade of the muscle tear. If it’s a disc bulge or swelling, recovery will vary based on its severity, individual capacity, medical intervention, and rehabilitation,” Srinivasan noted.
Stakeholders are hopeful that it is merely swelling in the back, as a disc bulge could significantly delay Bumrah’s return to competitive cricket. With a packed schedule ahead—including the Champions Trophy, IPL, and India’s tour of England—it is crucial to manage his recovery carefully.
The selectors face a tough decision with only a few days remaining before India announces its provisional squad for the Champions Trophy. They are waiting for the medical team’s final report to decide whether Bumrah will be included in the 15-member list. Changes to the squad are permitted until February 13, providing some flexibility for the crucial call on Bumrah’s participation.
