Published By: Sanchari Das

THIS Silent Enemy since 2018 May Ruled Out Jasprit Bumrah from the Champions Trophy

Chronic setbacks since 2018 that have tested India’s premier fast bowler

Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier fast bowler, has been a force to reckon with in world cricket. Since 2018, however, injuries have often disrupted his career. Despite the setbacks, Bumrah’s resilience and determination have been awe-inspiring. His journey is a testament to his strength of character, as he repeatedly bounced back from potentially career-ending injuries. Yet, as the 2025 Champions Trophy looms, his fitness remains under close scrutiny.

2018: A thumb fracture and a fiery comeback

Bumrah’s tryst with injuries began in 2018 during India’s Ireland-England tour. He fractured his left thumb while attempting a return catch in a T20I against Ireland. This injury sidelined him for three weeks, causing him to miss the white-ball leg of the tour and the first two Tests against England. Bumrah returned strongly, taking 14 wickets in the last three Tests, including a match-winning five-wicket haul at Trent Bridge. It was a brief setback but a sign of what lay ahead.

2019: The stress fracture that shocked Indian cricket

The next major blow came in 2019 when Bumrah was diagnosed with a lower-back stress fracture. This injury followed a gruelling West Indies tour, during which he became the third Indian bowler to claim a Test hat-trick. The stress fracture ruled him out for three months, causing him to miss home series against South Africa and Bangladesh. During the New Zealand tour, Bumrah made a comeback in early 2020, but the toll on his body was evident.

2021: Abdominal strain and the Brisbane miracle

In early 2021, Bumrah’s injury woes continued. He picked up an abdominal strain during the third Test against Australia in Sydney. Precautionary measures kept him out of the Brisbane Test, which India won to clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Remarkably, Bumrah recovered within a month and returned for the England series. However, the recurring nature of his injuries raised concerns about his long-term fitness.

2022-2023: Back trouble and a long road to recovery

Bumrah’s back issues resurfaced in mid-2022, forcing him to miss the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup in Australia. A hurried return for the home T20I series aggravated the injury, leading to back surgery in early 2023. This kept him out of action for nearly a year, including the IPL and the World Test Championship Final. After months of rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, Bumrah returned in August 2023, leading India in the T20I series against Ireland.

2024: T20 World Cup glory amid fitness concerns

Despite his challenges, Bumrah was pivotal in India’s T20 World Cup victory in 2024. His match-winning performances, including 15 wickets across eight matches, earned him the Player of the Tournament award. Bumrah’s ability to deliver under pressure cemented his reputation as one of the best bowlers in the world. Yet, his extensive workload during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2025 reignited concerns about his fitness. However, he finished the BGT tournament with 32 wickets and won the Player of the Series award.

2025: BGT setback and Champions Trophy worries

Bumrah’s relentless efforts during the gruelling series against Australia took a toll on his body. He suffered back spasms during the fifth Test at Sydney, raising alarms about his readiness for the Champions Trophy. With the tournament set to begin on February 19, Bumrah’s well-being will be critical to India’s plans. His journey since 2018 underscores the silent enemy that injuries have been to his illustrious career.