Jasprit Bumrah has been included in India's squad for the next match series against England and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy created excitement among the fans, but doubts still remain about his actual participation in the upcoming ODIs, especially the multi-nation tournament.
Chairman of the Men's Senior Selection Committee, Ajit Agarkarhas already confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah will miss the first two ODIs against England at home, and his fitness has been closely monitored by experts. He also clarified that there is no guarantee of availability.
Jasprit Bumrah's 2025 ICC Champions Trophy fate depends on fitness checks
India on Saturday, January 18 announced the ODI squads for the upcoming ODI series and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, and Jasprit Bumrah has been named in both squads, subject to fitness.
However, Harshit Rana has been named as Bumrah's cover for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, but the national selectors have not mentioned a backup for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar and skipper Rohit Sharma are not sure if Bumrah will regain full fitness for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. At the press conference, Ajit Agarkar said: “We just hope Bumrah is fit. We will have a conversation if he is not fit.” While Rohit Sharma said: “We are not sure about Bumrah whether he will play or not.”
Jasprit Bumrah is set for the crucial checks on February 2
Meanwhile, a Times of India report claimed that Jasprit Bumrah is scheduled to undergo crucial scans on February 2, which will determine the next steps in his rehabilitation journey and his availability for the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy.
The Indian Prime Minister has reportedly been advised to reduce his workload for five weeks, and his condition will be re-evaluated before any concrete decisions are made on his return. With Bumrah's scans being a turning point for India, the selectors are hopeful that it will be positive news.
Now, the Indian cricket team is awaiting clarification on Bumrah's fitness, with an important update expected around February 9 during the second ODI against England. Timing is crucial, as the team management must finalize any changes to the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy squad by February 13.
Mohamed Siraj exits CT 2025 squad due to concerns about Bumrah's fitness!!
Keeping in mind Bumrah's fitness, the Indian selectors have picked Arshdeep Singh for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 for his ability to bowl through the innings, ignoring Mohammed Siraj in the tournament. Rohit Sharma said, “Siraj's effectiveness goes down when he is not playing with the new ball” and that is why he was not selected for the mega event.
It is worth noting that Bumrah suffered a back spasm during the fifth and final Test against Australia in Sydney. He led the side in Rohit Sharma's absence but was eventually sidelined from bowling in the second innings due to a back spasm, thanks to a heavy workload on the tour.
However, India lost the match by 6 wickets and the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia 3-1, but Bumrah was sensational with the ball on the tour, finishing as the highest wicket-taker with 32 scalps in nine innings. He was awarded Player of the Series for his brilliant bowling display in Australia.
