India’s star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is currently struggling with an injury, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to take a significant risk to include him in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Despite his injury, the BCCI has reportedly disregarded doctors’ recommendations regarding his fitness, which could potentially put his career in jeopardy.
According to media reports, Bumrah has resumed net practice at the National Cricket Academy. Doctors had advised him to take five weeks of complete rest following his injury. However, the BCCI has pressured him to regain full fitness ahead of the Champions Trophy at any cost. While there are high expectations for Bumrah to deliver an outstanding performance in the tournament, fans are also concerned that this decision might permanently affect his career.
Jasprit Bumrah is considered a key asset for the Indian team, and his absence could be a major blow to their bowling attack. Reports suggest that Bumrah recently underwent a back scan, and before the final squad announcement, Indian selectors will consult the BCCI medical staff regarding his availability.
Following India’s recent tour of Australia, Bumrah experienced back pain, which prevented him from bowling in the second innings of the fifth Test in Sydney. Given the uncertainty surrounding his participation in the Champions Trophy, India has tested two new fast bowlers in their ongoing ODI series against England.
In January, while announcing the provisional squad for the ICC Champions Trophy, chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated that, based on the information provided by the BCCI medical staff at the time, Bumrah was unlikely to be fit for the first two matches of the England ODI series. Agarkar mentioned that before undergoing fresh scans on his back in the first week of February, Bumrah had been advised to refrain from bowling for five weeks.
It is important to note that since suffering an injury during India’s tour of Australia in early January—when he was unable to bowl in the second innings of the Sydney Test—Bumrah has not played any matches.
Bumrah in the Champions Trophy Squad but Misses England Series
India’s star fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, was included in the provisional 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy, which was announced on January 18. However, he was unable to participate in the ODI series against England, which serves as India’s final series before the ICC Champions Trophy, set to begin on February 19.
Who Will Replace Bumrah in the ICC Champions Trophy?
One of them, Harshit Rana, is seen as a potential replacement for Bumrah. Another name under consideration is Varun Chakravarthy, India’s mystery spinner, who impressed in the T20I series against England. However, it is widely believed that Harshit Rana could be the best possible substitute for Jasprit Bumrah.
Harshit Rana
The young fast bowler has been making waves with his impressive performances. He was recently tested in India’s ongoing ODI series against England and is seen as a strong contender to replace Bumrah.
Varun Chakravarthy
The mystery spinner, known for his variations, has also been considered. He performed exceptionally well in the T20I series against England and could be included in the squad depending on team strategy.
