In a recent update from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), it has been confirmed that Indian cricketers Jasprit Bumrah and Shreyas Iyer are unlikely to play in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final. Both players have been struggling with back injuries and have been out of action for quite some time now.
Bumrah, who underwent surgery on his lower back in New Zealand, has started his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. He has not played any cricket since September 25 last year and despite being included in the India squad for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, he was pulled out from the series at the last minute after he complained of back pain during a match simulation at the NCA. There is no word on Bumrah's return, but according to reports, he has no chance of playing the WTC final against Australia in July.
Shreyas Iyer, on the other hand, aggravated his back injury during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The injury ruled him out of IPL 2023 and he too is unlikely to feature in the WTC final. BCCI has confirmed that he is scheduled to undergo surgery for his lower back issue next week and will remain under the surgeon’s care for two weeks before returning to the NCA for rehabilitation.
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The two key players will be a major blow for the Indian team as they prepare to take on New Zealand in the much-anticipated WTC final. The WTC final is set to take place in Southampton from June 18 to June 22, 2023.