“Sources Unreliable”: Bumrah Denies Media Reports About His Bed Rest

Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who suffered a back injury during the recent Test series in Australia, has denied media reports claiming that he is on bed rest at home.
Earlier, Indian media reports had claimed that Bumrah, who captained the first and last Test matches in a five-match series against Australia and was named Player of the Series, had been advised to rest due to his back injury. These reports also suggested that the pacer would not rush to return to the squad, raising doubts about his participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan next month.
In response to the reports, Bumrah stated that he knew it was easy to spread fake news, but this was ridiculous. “Sources unreliable,” he added.
The tweet Bumrah shared in response was later deleted.
Indian media also reported that Bumrah had been instructed to report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for rehabilitation due to swelling in his back.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also delayed the announcement of the 15-member Champions Trophy 2025 squad by one week due to Bumrah’s injury concerns, as the squad was initially set to be revealed by January 12.
A BCCI source confirmed that Bumrah will go to the NCA for rehabilitation, and initial reports suggest no fracture, only swelling in his back. The NCA will monitor his recovery, and he will remain there for three weeks. Afterward, he will need to play a match or two—possibly in practice games—to assess his match fitness.
Bumrah bowled 151.2 overs in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, taking 32 wickets at an impressive average of 13.06 and a strike rate of 28.3.
It is worth noting that the eight-team Champions Trophy 2025 will take place from February 19 to March 9, across venues in Pakistan and Dubai.
The teams are divided into two groups: Group A includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B features Afghanistan, South Africa, England, and Australia.
The tournament opener will see hosts Pakistan facing New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi.
The highly anticipated Pakistan vs India clash is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai.