The Indian team faces a significant dilemma as the countdown to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 begins. Jasprit Bumrah, the backbone of India’s pace attack, is still struggling with fitness issues, casting doubt on his participation in the upcoming tournament. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is awaiting an official update from their medical team, with the bowler in a race against time to be match-ready.
The selectors have until February 11 to make any changes to the squad, heightening the pressure as the tournament approaches. According to reports, the BCCI medical team is currently consulting Dr. Rowan Schouten, an orthopedic surgeon based in New Zealand. A report will be sent to Dr. Schouten for his expert opinion, though sources indicate it would be nothing short of a miracle if Bumrah recovers in time for the Champions Trophy. There’s even a possibility that the fast bowler may need to travel to New Zealand for additional treatment.
“The reports will be sent to his doctor in New Zealand, and whether Bumrah travels there depends on the feedback we receive. Both the board and Bumrah are reluctant to rush his recovery due to his importance in the long term,” a source shared with a leading daily.
The final decision on Bumrah’s readiness will only be made once the entire process is completed. The selectors, meanwhile, are being urged to prepare a contingency plan in case he is unavailable. With the ongoing uncertainty, it seems increasingly unlikely that Bumrah will feature in the Champions Trophy squad.
Absence in ODIs Against England
Earlier this month, chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that Bumrah would miss the first two ODIs of the series against England. The third ODI is set to take place on February 12, just a day after the deadline to finalize changes to the Champions Trophy squad. This tight timeline raises concerns about Bumrah's recovery.
Should Bumrah fail to recover, the selectors are considering alternatives. Young pacer Harshit Rana, who is yet to make his ODI debut, has been added to the squad as a replacement. Although Rana has not yet played white-ball cricket for India, he is viewed as a potential option. Another possibility is the return of Mohammed Siraj, who was previously dropped, or the inclusion of the in-form Arshdeep Singh. Singh’s standout performances in the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy have earned him a spot ahead of Siraj.
