India’s star pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, found himself at the center of an unexpected but delightful moment at Coldplay's concert in Mumbai on Saturday. The global rock band’s frontman, Chris Martin, took a break from performing to humorously shout out to the cricketer, saying, “Hold on, we have to finish the show because Jasprit Bumrah wants to come and play backstage.” He went on to joke, “He says he needs to bowl at me now,” before playfully chanting Bumrah’s name and adding, “We’ll ask him to wait 15 minutes.” Martin’s spontaneous shout-out was met with cheers from the crowd, and Bumrah, visibly thrilled by the attention, later shared his joy on Instagram. “This made me smile! Incredible vibe at the @coldplay concert in Mumbai (from what I've seen here) and even more special to be mentioned,” he wrote, giving fans a glimpse of the memorable moment.
While Bumrah’s appearance in Mumbai was tied to the excitement of Coldplay’s concert, his cricketing career remains a focal point of attention. Recently, he was named to India’s 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, a tournament that holds significant importance in the international cricket calendar. However, his participation in the event remains uncertain, as his fitness is a key factor in his selection. Bumrah had suffered a back spasm during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, forcing him to miss the last day of the series in Sydney. Despite this injury, Bumrah had an outstanding performance throughout the series, claiming 32 wickets in 5 Tests and making history by becoming the fourth-fastest player to reach 200 Test wickets.
The Indian cricket board (BCCI) has stated that Bumrah will need some time to recover from the injury before returning to competitive action. As per Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of selectors, Bumrah has been instructed to take a five-week offload period from bowling. This means that he will not be available for the first two One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against England. However, Agarkar expressed optimism that Bumrah would be fit in time for India’s first group-stage match against Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy. The BCCI medical team is expected to provide a more detailed update on Bumrah's fitness status in early February, which will likely determine his availability for the tournament.
While the BCCI has not released specific details regarding the timeline for Bumrah’s recovery, Agarkar mentioned that the pacer’s rehabilitation period would end around the first week of February, allowing him to resume normal training. The selectors and medical team will closely monitor Bumrah’s progress, as his return to full fitness could play a pivotal role in India’s campaign in the Champions Trophy.
Bumrah’s fitness has been a critical factor for the Indian team in recent years, given his ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs, particularly in pressure situations. His unique bowling action and pace make him one of the most formidable fast bowlers in world cricket. His absence from the Indian lineup would undoubtedly be a setback, especially with the Champions Trophy fast approaching. Bumrah’s performances in past international tournaments have demonstrated his value as a key player, and both the team management and fans are hopeful that he can overcome this injury and return to peak form.
As Bumrah focuses on his recovery, the cricketing community will eagerly await updates on his fitness. His dedication to the sport and his ability to come back from injuries stronger than before make him a player to watch. While the recent shout-out from Coldplay's Chris Martin was a lighthearted moment that showcased Bumrah’s popularity beyond the cricket field, it also highlighted the widespread admiration for the pacer, not just in India but across the globe.
Ultimately, Bumrah’s journey over the coming weeks will be crucial to India’s chances in the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy. His ability to bounce back from injury and provide leadership with the ball could make all the difference in India’s quest for glory in the tournament. Fans, selectors, and fellow cricketers alike will be hoping that Bumrah’s recovery is swift, and that he will once again be able to showcase his skills at the highest level of international cricket.
