India’s selection committee is set to make a final call on Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 11, the deadline for submitting final squads. The star pacer has been out of action since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in early January due to a back injury, leaving his fitness for the tournament in doubt.

Jasprit Bumrah Undergoing Fitness Evaluation

Bumrah recently underwent a scan at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The medical team is currently assessing his fitness before providing a final report to the selectors and team management. While he was initially included in the provisional 15-man squad announced on January 18, his absence from the ODI series against England has raised concerns over his availability.

Initially, chief selector Ajit Agarkar indicated that Bumrah was expected to miss the first few ODIs against England but could return later. However, instead of joining the squad for the third ODI in Ahmedabad, Bumrah has remained in Bengaluru for further medical assessments.

India’s Backup Plans If Bumrah Misses Out

If Jasprit Bumrah is deemed unfit, India is likely to name Harshit Rana as his replacement. The young Delhi pacer, who made his international debut against Australia last year, was included in India’s ODI squad against England and played the first two matches. However, former cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed doubts about whether Rana can fill Bumrah’s shoes, emphasizing that a more comprehensive backup plan may be needed.

Chopra also pointed out that Rana was previously chosen as a like-for-like replacement for all-rounder Shivam Dube in the T20I series against England due to a concussion substitution, questioning whether he is the right fit as Bumrah’s replacement.

India’s Champions Trophy Schedule

India is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. Due to political tensions, they will play all their matches in Dubai instead of traveling to Pakistan, the official host of the tournament. Their campaign begins against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by high-stakes matches against Pakistan on February 23 and New Zealand on March 2.

The final decision on Bumrah’s inclusion will be crucial for India’s bowling attack. If he remains in the squad but is unable to start the tournament, India could still make a late change with ICC approval.

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