Jasprit Bumrah Consults New Zealand Surgeon for Back Pain; Kaif Cautions on Captaincy Burden

Team India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 remains uncertain as concerns over his back injury continue. Reports indicate that Bumrah has consulted New Zealand-based orthopedic surgeon Dr. Rowan Schouten to address his recurring back pain. According to Hindustan Times, Dr. Schouten has been in discussions with the BCCI medical team and will soon provide an update on the severity of Bumrah’s condition to the selection committee.

The issue surfaced after Bumrah experienced back pain during the final Test of the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This development has raised concerns regarding his fitness ahead of key international assignments.

Despite the uncertainty, there is a possibility that Bumrah may be included in the 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy, provided he remains pain-free. “He will only make the final cut if he is completely fit,” the report analyzed.

Mohammed Kaif’s Warning on Bumrah’s Captaincy Responsibility

As speculation grows about Jasprit Bumrah being considered the successor to Rohit Sharma in a leadership role, former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif has expressed reservations about such a move. Kaif commented that the added burden of full-time captaincy could negatively impact Bumrah’s fitness and longevity in cricket.

"Handing over full-time captaincy to Bumrah might be a mistake," Kaif warned, urging the BCCI to carefully reconsider before making such a decision. He emphasized that Bumrah should focus solely on staying fit and taking wickets, rather than being weighed down by leadership responsibilities.