India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who recently suffered back spasms, is expected to be rested for most of the upcoming home white-ball series against England. The decision is aimed at ensuring his fitness for the ICC Champions Trophy, set to begin on February 19.
Bumrah was a standout performer for India in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, claiming 32 wickets despite the team's 1-3 series loss to Australia. However, he was unable to bowl in the final innings of the series due to the back spasms.
India is set to kick off their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai.
Jasprit Bumrah’s injury status will significantly influence his availability for upcoming matches. If his injury is classified as Grade 1, he will require a minimum of two to three weeks of rehabilitation before returning to play. A Grade 2 injury could extend his recovery period to six weeks, while a Grade 3 injury, the most severe, necessitates at least three months of rest and rehabilitation.
Bumrah was already ruled out of the T20I bilateral series, as this is not a World Cup year. However, with the Champions Trophy approaching, he was expected to play at least two, if not all three, ODIs against England in preparation for the 50-over format.
The severity of Bumrah's injury will determine whether he can participate in the England series at all or potentially make a return for the final ODI on February 12 at his home ground in Ahmedabad to assess his fitness.
India will take on England in five T20Is and three ODIs starting January 22.
After missing the final innings against Australia, Bumrah expressed his frustration at missing the opportunity to bowl on what he described as the "spiciest wicket of the series." However, the ace Indian pacer stressed the importance of respecting his body's limits. Bumrah was unable to bowl on day three, a critical juncture when India faced the challenge of defending a modest 162-run target on a challenging pitch.
"It was really frustrating but sometimes you have to respect your body, can't fight it. Disappointing, probably missed out on the spiciest wicket of the series," Bumrah said, who was named Player of the Series for his 32 wickets in the series, during the post-match presentation.
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