India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has garnered immense attention since the start of the series between India and England. The pacer who has been struggling with injuries was preempted to miss at least two games of the five match Test series. He even missed out playing the second Test of the series and could be doubtful for the final match as well. 

The move came in the wake of reducing the workload of the right arm pacer and maintaining fitness amidst a gruelling cricketing schedule. On Day 3 of the ongoing fourth Test, former India cricketer, Mohammad Kaif made a startling prediction that with the injury concerns looming, Bumrah might hang up his boots in the longest format of the game. 

"I think you may not see him (Jasprit Bumrah) playing in the upcoming Test matches, and he may even retire. He is struggling with his body, and we have seen his pace drop in this Test match. He is a self-respecting person. If he feels that he isn't able to give his 100 per cent for his country, pick wickets and win matches, then he himself will refuse. That's my gut feeling,” said Kaif on his YouTube channel. 

See Also: ENG vs IND 4th Test Day 3: Highlights and Scoreboard

Bumrah’s pace drops below 130kmph 

The talks over his fitness issues skyrocketed after Bumrah came out to bowl post Tea session on Day 3 of Manchester Test. In what was a surprising incident, the veteran’s pace dropped below 130kmph and it was evident with the fans as well as the cricket critics. 

"Whether he got wickets or not is a different thing, but the speed at which he bowled was around 125-130 kmph. The wicket that he took, the wicketkeeper had to dive forward to take the catch. A fit Bumrah gets caught behind above the keeper's shoulders. His balls zip past the batters; it doesn't matter if it's Joe Root or Ben Stokes. He is such a bowler who can dismiss batters at will."

It was not a wonderful sight for Team India (ENG vs IND 4th Test). Their pace spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah left the field, limping, clutching his left knee. He was in total discomfort and had to leave the field before the tea break. A moment of Bumrah captured on camera while he was entering into the pavilion. He was clearly struggling while he was going up the stairs.

With the second new ball, Team India and their fans were looking at the ace pacer. But he had to go outside the ground and remained on the bench for a while. That sight was not at all eye-shooting for a cricket-loving nation. Later, Ravi Shastri, during his commentary duties, hinted about a possible ankle twist.

"He is shaking his head there. Don’t think he is too pleased. That is the left ankle. He twisted his ankle coming down the stairs. He changed his boots as well. I noticed that when he did bowl that one over, he had a pair of boots that were blue and white, very different from what I see here," Shastri said. 

Watch the video when Jasprit Bumrah entered into the pavillion limping 

#ENGvsIND #JaspritBumrah 😭 pic.twitter.com/ljhGeIInox

— 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 (@Jerseyno93) July 25, 2025

Read More: [WATCH] ENG vs IND 4th Test: Quicker from Mohammed Siraj brings Ben Stokes down on knees

A rare off color Jasprit Bumrah 

The exact nature of his injury is yet to be revealed. But, proving some relief to Shubman Gill's team, he went back to the field and started to bowl again. Surprisingly, Bumrah is looking off-color, which is rare, in the ongoing Test in Manchester. 

After rolling 23 overs, he has not managed to get a single wicket with a 3.43 economy rate and 5 maiden overs. A wicketless Bumrah has exposed the India bowling lineup against England. They are simply toying with the red cherry now at Old Trafford.

Renowned TV commentator and analyst Aakash Chopra questioned why Jasprit Bumrah's availability for the ongoing England Test tour was so widely circulated following India's defeat in the Headingly Test.  As a matter of fact, Bumrah will only be available for selection for the first three Tests of the tour and will be in action next for the Edgbaston and Lord's Tests. This was done to prevent the speedster from picking up any fresh injuries along the way.

But speaking from a tactical standpoint, Chopra was left visibly unimpressed. He argued that Bumrah could have played in any of the three Tests as per his choice. As per his opinion, this detail did not have to go public, and further pointed out that giving away such cues to the opposition can go on to prove very costly. It was during the team's pre-departure press conference that the head coach, Gautam Gambhir, confirmed the news on Bumrah's availability for the first three Tests. 

See also: IND vs ENG 1st Test: Shubman Gill, Gambhir given surprising advice on Jasprit Bumrah exclusion

Chopra questions why Bumrah's availability had to be revealed in the first place

In a video posted on his YouTube Channel, Chopra debated whether it was indeed the right move from Gambhir to reveal Bumrah's partial availability for the series and wondered whether he would have been better off by not revealing it in the first place. He further stated that India does not announce their team prematurely, unlike England. He felt that issuing such statements publicly would eradicate the element of surprise and allow England to be prepared accordingly. 

"Bumrah said he will play three matches only, and I am thinking whether it was required to publicize it. Why was it not kept a secret? We don't announce our team as well. So why was it necessary to reiterate it repeatedly before the start of the tour that he would play three matches only? Let them guess. You play whichever Tests you wish."

Bumrah emerged as the leading wicket-taker for India in the first innings, finishing with outstanding figures of 5-83. However, he turned out to be quite the opposite in the second innings and finished wicketless. A lack of spark in Bumrah's bowling seemed evident during the second innings, and England were able to capitalize and cruise to victory on the final day of the Test match.

5 Players Who Can Replace Jasprit Bumrah in Mumbai Indians

1. Trent Boult (Left-arm Fast Bowler)

Trent Boult is the 1st choice to replace Jasprit Bumrah.One of the best left-arm pacers in world cricket, known for his swing in the powerplay and ability to take early wickets. Previously he played for Rajasthan Royals and in a mega auction mumbai indians bought him.

He has been the best bowler in T20 leagues, taking 31 wickets in 15 matches for MI NY in Major League Cricket with an impressive average of 15.12 and a strike rate of 11.0, meaning he gets a wicket almost every second over. In the IPL, he has played 104 matches and picked up 121 wickets, with best figures of 4/18 and an economy of 8.29 runs per over. He has also performed well in other leagues like SA20, ILT20, and BBL, consistently taking wickets.

2. Deepak Chahar (Right-arm Medium-Fast Bowler)

Deepak Chahar is the 2nd choice to replace Jasprit Bumrah. A powerplay specialist with exceptional swing bowling skills, experienced in the IPL with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and capable of contributing with the bat.

He has played for two teams in the IPL, featuring in 81 matches and bowling 1,669 deliveries while conceding 2,221 runs. Over his career, he has picked up 77 wickets, with his best bowling performance being 4/13. He averages 28.84 runs per wicket, has an economy rate of 7.98 runs per over, and takes a wicket roughly every 21.6 balls. He has also managed two four-wicket hauls but hasn’t taken a five-wicket haul yet in the IPL.

3. Lizaad Williams (Right-arm Fast Bowler)

Lizaad Williams is the 3rd choice to replace Jasprit Bumrah. Lizaad Williams is a fast-medium bowler. He has also played international matches also.

He had a tough time in the IPL with Delhi Capitals, playing just 2 matches and taking only 1 wicket while being quite expensive with an economy of 12.00. However, he was much better in SA20 for Joburg Super Kings, where he took 20 wickets in 12 games with a solid average of 15.90 and best figures of 4/26.

4. Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Right-arm Off-spin Bowler)

Mujeeb Ur Rahman is the 4th choice to replace Jasprit Bumrah. A mystery spinner with variations, particularly effective in T20s, with IPL experience at Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

He was outstanding in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), taking 26 wickets in 18 matches with a brilliant average of 14.46 and keeping things tight with an economy of 5.61. In the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), he also did well, picking up 25 wickets in 22 games with a solid average of 18.40 and an economy of 5.34. However, he struggled in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he managed just 6 wickets in 11 matches, proving to be expensive with an economy of 8.65 and a high bowling average of 63.50.

5. Venkata Satyanarayana(Right-arm Fast Bowler)

Venkata Satyanarayana is the 5th choice to replace Jasprit Bumrah. He showed his skills in the First class cricket and in 2025 Mi was picked in IPL Auction.

He has played 7 T20 matches, taking 7 wickets with best figures of 2/19. On average, he gives away 8.23 runs per over and takes a wicket every 19.5 balls. While he has been decent, he hasn’t had any big performances like four or five-wicket hauls yet.

Jasprit Bumrah Could Miss First Two Weeks of IPL 2025
Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah will not be available for the initial two weeks of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 as there are doubts over his fitness. Bumrah, who has been dealing with a lower back injury, was already excluded from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 earlier this year.

Injury and Recovery
Bumrah has had problems with injuries for years, and they have prevented him from playing some of the most crucial matches. His injury in the lower back has caused worry for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), since they wish to handle his workload carefully.

Since he missed the Champions Trophy, Bumrah has been in rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. In a recent post, he uploaded a video of him bowling in the nets, where he delivered a flawless yorker that destroyed the middle stump. This video instilled hope in fans that he would return soon.

ALSO READ:R Ashwin Slams Critics Ahead of India vs New Zealand CT 2025 Final

Will He Play in IPL 2025?
Although Bumrah has resumed training, there are indications that he won't be fully fit during the first fortnight of IPL 2025. The MI franchise and the BCCI are going out of their way to ensure his workload management.

Recently, former South African cricketer Vernon Philander discussed this issue, stating:

"Jasprit Bumrah is a world-class bowler, but maintaining his fitness is the biggest challenge. The IPL is a long tournament, and if he bowls too many games in the first half, it might affect him later on."

Mumbai Indians' Issues
The Mumbai Indians will miss the pressure if Bumrah misses the beginning of the IPL. He is among their major players, and his absence will compromise their bowling attack. MI will have to count on their other fast bowlers to plug the gap.

What's Next?
For the time being, Bumrah's availability for IPL 2025 is unknown. The decision will be made based on his fitness test outcomes at the NCA. If he isn't fully fit, the Mumbai Indians could have to begin their season without him.

Jasprit Bumrah has shared his first picture after being ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a back injury. He posted a mirror selfie on Instagram from the gym at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, with a simple caption: “Rebuilding.”

Bumrah is dressed casually in a beige T-shirt, matching jacket, black shorts, and a brown cap, taking a selfie in front of a mirror. The BCCI confirmed on Tuesday that he won’t be part of the tournament due to a lower back injury, which he picked up during the final Test against Australia in Sydney. Young fast bowler Harshit Rana has been named as his replacement for the tournament, which starts on February 19 in Pakistan. India’s first match is against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai .

ALSO READ: Shanto Confident as Bangladesh Dreams of Historic Champions Trophy Win

Jasprit Bumrah Shares Selfie from NCA After Being Ruled Out of Champions Trophy

The BCCI is being extra careful with Bumrah’s recovery this time. In 2022, he was rushed back for an Australia series just before the T20 World Cup, but that led to another injury, keeping him out of action for nearly a year.

JASPRIT BUMRAH AT NCA 🐐

- It's time for the rehab and make a great comeback in England Test series ⏳ pic.twitter.com/SMBXylUAJH

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 13, 2025

India’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025 : Rohit Sharma(C), Shubman Gill( vice-captain), Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, and Varun Chakaravarthy.

Jasprit Bumrah has been advised bed rest at home and will remain on rest until the swelling subsides. He returned from Australia last week and is on rest but his situation is not well right now. 

Jasprit Bumrah has to report to the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, but the date is not yet decided. 

A source said that “Bumrah could go to the 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 swallowing to subside”.

Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah: ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2024

As of now, Jasprit Bumrah has swelling in his back, and at this stage, he will not back to the field. Sources clear that, there is no clarity on his exact diagnosis but if it’s something more than just a swelling then his chance to get back in cricket is impossible. 

The source added to their word, “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”.

No Certainty in Champions Trophy 2025

Due to all these, Jasprit Bumrah’s selection in the Champions Trophy is also disc like his injury. 

Almost all other team have announced their squad for the Champions Trophy starting from 19th February but BCCI is yet to announce as may or may not be they are waiting for NAC clarification over Indian seamer Jasprit Bumrah’s recovery.

Also, BCCI is yet to select their ODI squad for the upcoming ODI series between India and England, starting from 6th February. 

In a few days, BCCI will announce the squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, and along with that, the squad for the England series will also be revealed. There is a fear of Jasprit Bumrah being dropped before the squad is announced. 

According to some reports, Jasprit Bumrah will consult the BCCI medical team along with his doctor who operated on him in New Zealand the last time he was out injured in 2022.

Jasprit Bumrah's name will be added to the Champions Trophy squad but he will need clearance from the NCA (National Cricket Academy) medical team. 

Jasprit Bumraj injury case

Jasprit Bumrah was injured in the last Test series of Australia due to which he did not even bowl in the last innings. According to fans, not winning the match was also due to Jasprit Bumrah's injury.

Jasprit Bumrah had a back spasm in the Sydney Test due to which he was out of the field and was taken to the hospital.

The medical report has not been disclosed yet, if there is only a back spasm then he will be completely ready to play but if there is a bone injury then the rehabilitation process will take more time and due to this reason he can also be out of Champions Trophy.

According to TOI report, he can recover by the time of the Champions Trophy 2025 if it is a minor spasm or the recovery can take a few months if it’s a severe fracture. 

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: India Squad, Strengths, Weaknesses, and Key Matches in Group Stage

How much time will it take to recover

Grade 1 and Grade 3 stress fractures take 3 to 6 months to recover, if something like this comes in the reports then Bumrah can be out of the Champions Trophy 2025 and also his uncertainty will last up to IPL 2025.

Premier India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has raised concerns for the national team and Mumbai Indians as he is unlikely to be fit for the World Test Championship 21-23 final in June and IPL 2023, as per a report in Cricbuzz. The IPL is set to get underway in a month but Bumrah is unlikely to regain fitness ahead of the lucrative tournament.

The Indian fast-bowling spearhead has not been feeling comfortable which could see him out for a long time, if sources in the BCCI and IPL circles are to be believed, as per the Cricbuzz report. Bumrah has been out for five months already.

Jasprit Bumrah injury: When will the India fast bowler make a comeback?

It is, however, understood that Bumrah could make a comeback for Team India at the World Cup in October-November. But his availability for the Asia Cup, with the schedule still to be announced, is still not clear.

Bumrah made his last appearance for Team India in a T20I against Australia, on September 25, 2022. He has since, then, been unfit to represent take the national assignments and subsequently missed out on the three ODIs against Australia in March.

The National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru is, however, unlikely to hurry him into action. It was initially reported that Bumrah might return to action for the IPL 2023 but it looks unlikely now.

The management is looking to chart out a positive plan for his comeback.