Jasprit Bumrah's inclusion in India's squad for both the upcoming home series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has sparked excitement among fans, but doubts remain over his actual participation in the upcoming ODIs, especially the multinational tour .
Senior men's selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar has already confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah will miss the first two ODIs against England at home and his condition has been closely monitored by experts. It also stated that there is no guarantee of its availability.
Jasprit Bumrah's ICC Champions Trophy 2025 fate hinges on fitness scans
On Saturday, January 18, India announced the ODI squads for the upcoming ODI series and ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and Jasprit Bumrah was 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 named a back-up for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Indian chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Rohit Sharma are both unsure whether Bumrah will regain full fitness for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. At the press conference, Ajit Agarkar said, “We just hope that Bumrah will be fit. We will discuss. if he's not fit.” While Rohit Sharma stated, “We are not sure about Bumrah, whether he was going to play or not.”
Jasprit Bumrah is all set for the crucial scans on February 2
Meanwhile, a report in the Times of Indian claimed that Jasprit Bumrah is scheduled for crucial scans on February 2, which will determine the next steps in his rehabilitation journey and his availability for the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy.
India's top pacer is said to have been advised to reduce his workload for five weeks and his condition will be reassessed before any concrete decision is taken on his comeback. With Bumrah's scans set to be a turning point for India, the selectors are hoping for some positive news.
Now, the Indian cricket team is awaiting clarity on Bumrah's fitness, with a significant update expected around February 9 during the second ODI against England. The timing is very crucial as the team management has to finalize any changes to their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad by February 13.
Mohammed Siraj has dropped out of the CT 2025 squad due to Bumrah's fitness issues!!
Keeping Bumrah's fitness in mind, the Indian selectors picked Arshdeep Singh for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 for his ability to bowl over the innings, overlooking Mohammed Siraj for the tournament. Rohit Sharma said that “Siraj's effectiveness goes down when he is not bowling with the new ball” and that is why he was not picked for the mega event.
Notably, Bumrah suffered a back spasm during the fifth and final Test against Australia in Sydney. He was leading the side in the absence of Rohit Sharma but was eventually ruled out of bowling in the second innings due to a back spasm due to heavy tour workload.
However, India lost the match by 6 wickets and the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy to Australia 3-1, but Bumrah was incredible with the ball in the tournament, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 32 scalps in nine innings. He received the Player of the Series award for his outstanding bowling performance in Australia.