Jasprit Bumrah’s back injury will be assessed by orthopedic surgeon Dr Rowan Schouten in New Zealand, and there is a possibility of him visiting the country for treatment.

According to TOI, the BCCI is thinking about a backup plan since Bumrah is doubtful for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 He has been named in the Indian team for the ODI series against England and also CT.

The changes to the team for the global tournament can be made till February 11. Harshit Rana is already in the squad for one-day internationals against England. If will be interesting to see if they keep Rana in the team should Bumrah fail to recover for the Champions Trophy. Mohammed Siraj could be selected, considering his experience.

“The medical team of the Indian Cricket Board is in touch with Schouten in New Zealand. The board is likely to send Bumrah to New Zealand. The selectors are not sure of his availability for the Champions Trophy,” a BCCI source told TOI.

Schouten had operated on Bumrah after he picked up a serious back injury. The right-arm pacer was out of action for a long time before returning to the national team last year.

He didn’t bowl in the second innings of the Sydney Test in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Bumrah and the rest of the seamers were told to take three-week rest to recover from fatigue and workload issues.

“His reports will be shared with the surgeon in New Zealand. Sending Bumrah to New Zealand will be decided after getting a feedback from doctor. The board and Bumrah are not willing to take any risk,” the source added.

“The selectors will be informed about his availability after doctor’s feedback. The selectors will have to come up with a backup plan if Bumrah doesn’t make it to the team.”

Bumrah missed the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 and the Indian Premier League 2023.