BCCI Quietly Drops Jasprit Bumrah from ODI Squad Against England: Will He Play in the Champions Trophy
In a surprising turn of events, India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been removed from the updated ODI squad for the upcoming series against England. This unexpected omission has sparked concerns over his fitness and raised questions about his availability for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Bumrah’s Mysterious Exit from the ODI Squad
Jasprit Bumrah, a key figure in India’s bowling attack, was initially named in both the ODI squad against England and the provisional squad for the Champions Trophy. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has quietly removed him from the 16-member squad, replacing him with spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who impressed during the T20 series against England.
This decision comes after Bumrah reportedly suffered back spasms during the final Test match against Australia. Given his history of injuries, the Indian team management appears to be taking a cautious approach to ensure his fitness ahead of major tournaments.
Concerns Over Bumrah’s Champions Trophy Participation
With the Champions Trophy set to begin on February 19, Bumrah’s absence from the England ODI series has fueled speculation about his readiness for the prestigious ICC event. Indian captain Rohit Sharma provided an update, stating:
“We’re just waiting on that update, which is going to happen in the next few days, the scan. Then, probably we’ll have a little more clarity about his participation in the last ODI.”
The uncertainty surrounding Bumrah’s fitness is a worrying sign for Team India, as his presence is crucial to their bowling attack. Former head coach Ravi Shastri recently stressed his importance, stating that without Bumrah, India’s chances of winning the Champions Trophy could drop by “literally 30-35 percent.”
India’s Backup Plans
With Bumrah’s status still unclear, India might have to rely on other pacers such as Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh. The team management could also explore young talents like Umran Malik to fill the void if Bumrah is unable to recover in time.
For now, Bumrah remains part of the Champions Trophy squad, but his participation depends on the upcoming medical assessments. Fans and cricket analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on further updates as India gears up for the crucial tournament.
Stay tuned for more updates on Bumrah’s fitness and India’s squad preparations for the Champions Trophy 2025! 🚀🏏
