Sports Bulletin on February 7: Jasprit Bumrah Injury Update, Virat Kohli set to return for 2nd ODI against England

In today's sports bulletin (February 7), India's injury concerns take center stage with updates on Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli ahead of the England ODIs.

Meanwhile, England's Champions Trophy fixture against Afghanistan remains unchanged despite boycott calls, Barcelona dominate Valencia, and Steve Smith reaches a Test cricket milestone. Here’s a look at the top sports stories of the day. Let's find out all the details:

Jasprit Bumrah’s Injury Update: India Awaits Crucial Scan Results

Jasprit Bumrah's fitness remains a major concern for India ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy, with scan results expected in the next 24 hours. The pacer, who missed action due to back spasms sustained in the final Test against Australia, underwent tests at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Reports suggest the scans will also be reviewed by New Zealand-based orthopedic surgeon Dr. Rowan Schouten. Skipper Rohit Sharma is awaiting further clarity, with Bumrah potentially testing himself in the third ODI against England. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli is nursing a knee issue but is likely to return for the second ODI.

Virat Kohli’s Knee Swelling Not Serious, Set to Return for 2nd ODI

India vice-captain Shubman Gill has assured that Virat Kohli’s knee swelling is not a major concern and that he will return for the second ODI against England on Sunday. Kohli missed the series opener in Nagpur, raising concerns ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. Gill, who scored 87 in India’s four-wicket win, revealed Kohli felt fine during practice but woke up with swelling. Meanwhile, Gill also discussed his batting approach, stating he adapted to the game situation while batting at No.3 and dismissed any suggestions of a team-wide strategy to use sweep shots.

England to Play Afghanistan in Champions Trophy Despite Boycott Calls: ECB

England will play their Champions Trophy fixture against Afghanistan on February 26 in Lahore, despite calls for a boycott due to the Taliban’s restrictions on women's rights. ECB chair Richard Thompson confirmed the decision after consultations with the UK government, ICC, and players, emphasizing that a unified cricketing response is more effective than unilateral action. The ECB has also donated £100,000 to support exiled Afghan women cricketers. Thompson urged the ICC to recognize an Afghanistan women’s refugee team and invest in opportunities for displaced female cricketers.

BCCI Calls Special General Meeting on March 1 to Appoint Joint Secretary

The BCCI has scheduled a Special General Meeting (SGM) in Mumbai on March 1 to appoint a new joint secretary after Devjit Saikia was elevated to the board's secretary position. The SGM notice, sent to state associations, has a single-item agenda for the election and induction of the joint secretary. Avishek Dalmiya, Rohan Jaitley, and Sanjay Naik are among the frontrunners. Like recent BCCI appointments, the selection is expected to be uncontested. This will be the second SGM in two months after Saikia and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia were elected as secretary and treasurer unopposed in January.

Shreyas Iyer’s Late Call-Up Turns Into Match-Winning Knock Against England

Shreyas Iyer had to cut short his movie night after a late call from skipper Rohit Sharma, informing him he would play the first ODI against England in place of an injured Virat Kohli. The next day, Iyer delivered with a blistering 59 off 36 balls, helping India chase down 249 in 39 overs. "I was watching a movie last night, I thought I could extend my night, but then I got a call from skipper saying that you may play because Virat has got a swollen knee," Iyer told Star Sports. "And then hurried back to my room, went off to sleep straightaway."

Steve Smith Equals Joe Root, Rahul Dravid with 36th Test Century

Steve Smith continued his sublime form, scoring his 36th Test century on Day 2 of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. With this knock, the Australian captain equaled Joe Root and Rahul Dravid as the joint fifth-highest century-maker in Test cricket. Smith, leading in Pat Cummins’ absence, reached the landmark with a pull shot off Kamindu Mendis. Walking in at 37/2, he steadied Australia’s innings with a crucial partnership alongside Alex Carey. This was his second consecutive hundred of the series, following his 141 in the first Test, putting Australia in a commanding position.

Real Madrid Legend Marcelo Announces Retirement at 36

Former Real Madrid and Brazil left-back Marcelo has announced his retirement at the age of 36. In a heartfelt video on social media, the five-time Champions League winner said, "My story as a player ends here but I still have much to give to football." Marcelo, who won 25 trophies with Real Madrid, also led Fluminense to the 2023 Copa Libertadores title after leaving Los Blancos in 2022. Tributes poured in, with Cristiano Ronaldo calling him a “companion for life,” while Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez hailed him as one of the club’s greatest legends.

Barcelona Crush Valencia 5-0 to Reach Copa del Rey Semifinals

Ferran Torres netted a blistering 30-minute hat-trick as FC Barcelona thrashed Valencia 5-0 to storm into the Copa del Rey semifinals. The dominant performance came just weeks after their 7-1 La Liga win over the same opposition. Torres struck twice early before Fermin Lopez added a third in the 23rd minute. The Spaniard then completed his treble with a stunning strike from distance. Lamine Yamal sealed the rout in the second half as Valencia managed just 22% possession. Elsewhere, Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid, and Real Madrid also secured semifinal berths, with the draw set for Friday.