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The BCCI will reportedly come to a final decision regarding Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 tomorrow.
Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 remains doubtful. (Image: AFP)
The Indian team management is reportedly set to take a final call regarding Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 on February 11, as the pacer spearhead’s fitness remains uncertain ahead of the returning ICC event.
According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, Bumrah has had his back scanned at the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru recently and the medical staff will work alongside the Indian selectors to come to a final decision.
The fast-bowler was included in India’s 15-man provisional squad for the tournament and has not played in the first two ODIs against England as well. In addition, the report claims that he was expected to participate in the final match in Ahmedabad but the pacer has flown back to Bengaluru.
Bumrah, who led the team in the final Test against Australia in Sydney, picked up a niggle on his back, which saw him being unable to bowl in the second innings of the match. Bumrah’s absence could be a massive blow for the upcoming ICC event.
As far as replacements are concerned, Harshit Rana could be the man to take up Bumrah’s spot. The Delhi-based pacer played the first two ODIs against England. He made a resilient start to his ODI career where after being hammered for runs in his first few overs, he bounced back by taking three wickets in the 1st ODI that took place in Nagpur.
Another possible scenario is that India keeps Bumrah in their squad and names a replacement later on if he cannot take part in the tournament, subject to ICC’s approvals. But this could see India’s fast-bowling resources being stretched thin. India played only two specialist pacers in the England ODIs so far, with Mohammed Shami and Rana.
The Champions Trophy will be jointly held in Pakistan and Dubai. All of India’s games including the knockouts will be held in Dubai while the non-India games will be taking place in Pakistan. India has been slotted in Group A where they have the likes of Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand. They start their tournament against Bangladesh on February 20 followed by Pakistan on February 23 and then New Zealand on March 2 respectively.
