'Sources unreliable': Bumrah denies media reports about his bed rest

Reacting to the report, bowler says he knows it is easy to spread fake news, but this is ridiculous

Despite suffering a back injury during the recent Test series in Australia, Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has denied local media claims that he is on bed rest at home.

The Indian media reports earlier claimed that Bumrah, who captained the first and last Test matches of five-match series against Aussies and was also Man of the Series, was advised to take rest after sustaining back injury. The reports also said the pacer would not hasten for returning to the squad, casting doubt over his participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan next month.

Reacting to the report, the star bowler said he knew it was easy to spread fake news, but this was ridiculous. "Sources unreliable," he added.

The tweet that Bumrah cited on his X account for his response was later deleted.

Indian media also reported that Bumrah had been instructed to report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for rehab in Bengaluru after he experienced swelling in his back.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also delayed revealing the 15-member Champions Trophy 2025 team by one week due to his injury concerns after seeking an extension in the deadline, as the Champions Trophy squad announcement was supposed to happen by January 12.

The right-arm pacer's fitness status was reported to the national selectors, who convened in Mumbai on Saturday to choose the team for the forthcoming T20 International series against England.

“He (Bumrah) will be going to the NCA for rehabilitation. Initial reports suggest there is no fracture, but swelling in his back. The NCA will monitor his recovery, and he will be there for three weeks. Even after that, he will need to play a match or two — even practice games — to assess his match fitness,” a BCCI source said.

Bumrah bowled 151.2 overs during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, taking 32 wickets at an impressive average of 13.06 and a strike rate of 28.3.

It is pertinent to mention that the eight-team Champions Trophy tournament, consisting of 15 matches, 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 clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India is slated for February 23 in Dubai.

India's Champions Trophy Schedule:

20 February, Bangladesh v India, Dubai

23 February, Pakistan v India, Dubai

2 March, New Zealand v India, Dubai