Indian ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah is reportedly consulting with New Zealand-based orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Rowan Schouten to recover from his injury. Serving as the stand-in captain, Bumrah complained of back spasm during the final test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) game against Australia in Sydney. He delivered 10 overs in the first innings and didn’t come to bowl in the second innings, which played a part in Australia cruising through a six-wicket victory to win the BGT 3-1.
According to Hindustan Times, Dr. Schouten is in touch with BCCI’s medical team regarding the injury to Bumrah. As per the inputs from him, the selectors will take a final decision on the pacer’s selection in the Champions Trophy.
“The surgeon is in touch with BCCI’s medical team and the selectors are expected to be informed,” read the report.
Jasprit Bumrah emerged as the finest pacer in the BGT 2024-25 with 32 wickets at an exceptional average of 13.06. He had a huge workload, bowling 151.2 overs, which might have taken a toll on his back. The right-arm pacer went on to continue for longer spells, in the team’s pursuit to keep up the pressure on the opposition.
After his sensational performance, Bumrah remained the No. 1 Test bowler in the ICC Test rankings. During the series, he also become the first bowler to take 200 or more wickets with an average of under 20.
With injury concerns, the right-arm pacer isn’t confirmed to be taking part in the Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place next month. He is reported to skip the group stage matches, and might take part in the knockout games, if India qualifies.
Mohammad Kaif doesn’t want Jasprit Bumrah to be India’s Test captain
Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif isn’t in favor of Jasprit Bumrah being India’s full-time Test captain. Bumrah proved his leadership skills in the opening test of BGT 2024-25 in Perth, where India won by 295 runs. He then led the side in Sydney after Rohit Sharma stood down, but couldn’t be active in the second innings due to injury.
According to reports, Bumrah is expected to be take over as India’s Test captain, with uncertainty about Rohit’s future in the red-ball side. However, according to Kaif, an added responsibility will affect Bumrah’s wicket-taking abilities in Test format, as it will make him prone to injuries and increase his workload.
Here’s what Kaif posted on X:
“BCCI shd think twice before appointing Bumrah as full time captain.He needs to solely focus on taking wkts and staying fit. Added leadership responsibility, getting carried away in heat of moment can result in injuries and shorten an outstanding career. Don’t kill the golden goose.”
