Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion in India’s squad for the upcoming home series against England and ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has created excitement among fans, but there are doubts over his actual participation in the upcoming ODIs, especially the multi-nation tournament.
The chairman of the senior selection committee, Ajit Agarkar, has already confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah will miss the first two ODIs against England at home, and his fitness is being closely monitored by experts. He also made it clear that there is no guarantee of its availability.
Jasprit Bumrah’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 fate hinges on fitness tests
On Saturday, January 18, India announced the ODI squads for the upcoming ODI series and ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with Jasprit Bumrah 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 reserve for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
India chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Rohit Sharma are not sure if Bumrah will regain full fitness for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. In a press conference, Ajit Agarkar said, “We just hope Bumrah will be fit. We will talk if he is not fit.” While Rohit Sharma stated, “We are not sure about Bumrah, whether he will play or not.”
Jasprit Bumrah is scheduled for key tests on February 2
Meanwhile, a Times of Indian report claims 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 Champions Trophy 2025.
India’s premier pacer was said to have been advised to reduce his workload for five weeks and his condition will be re-evaluated before any concrete decisions are taken on his return. With Bumrah’s reviews 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. Time is of the essence, as the team management has until February 13 to finalize all changes to their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad.
Mohammed Siraj dropped from 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, eyeing Mohammed Siraj for the tournament. Rohit Sharma said that “Siraj’s efficiency goes down when he is not bowling with the new ball” and that is why he was not selected for the mega event.
Namely, Bumrah suffered a back spasm during the fifth and final Test against Australia in Sydney. He led the side in the absence of Rohit Sharma, but was eventually dropped from bowling in the second innings with back spasms, thanks to a 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 on the tour, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 32 scalps in nine innings. He won the player of the series award for his outstanding bowling show in Australia.
