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Jasprit Bumrah, India's premier fast bowler, is facing a critical setback due to a back injury that jeopardizes his participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. With swelling on his back, Bumrah is scheduled to report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for recovery monitoring. His absence is likely to extend through the group stage of the tournament, which kicks off on February 19 in Dubai, where India is set to play against Bangladesh and Pakistan.

In the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, Bumrah showcased his exceptional skills, claiming 32 wickets in 151.2 overs at an impressive average of 13.06. His outstanding performance earned him the 'Player of the Series' award. However, he was unable to bowl on the final day of the series due to his back injury, contributing to Australia's 3-1 series victory.

Bumrah's injury history is concerning, as he missed nearly 11 months of cricket following surgery from September 2022 to August 2023. Although he made a comeback in a T20I against Ireland, his management has been cautious to avoid further strain. He was rested for several matches, including key Tests against England and New Zealand, to ensure he remained fit for the Australian series.

The national selectors have been briefed on Bumrah's fitness status and are deliberating whether to include him in the 15-member squad or list him as a reserve for the Champions Trophy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has requested an extension for squad announcements, but no extension has been granted yet. The selectors have until February 12 to make any changes, allowing them to assess Bumrah's recovery closer to the tournament.

Bumrah is expected to regain full fitness only by the first week of March, casting doubt on his availability for India's last group match against New Zealand on March 2. Meanwhile, he has been excluded from India's upcoming T20 series against England, with Mohammed Shami returning to the squad after a lengthy injury absence. Other players, including Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill, have also been rested for the T20 series.

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