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With the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy fast approaching, India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah’s availability remains a major concern. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and team management are set to make a final call on his participation on Tuesday, February 11.
Bumrah’s Injury and Recovery Status
Bumrah has been out of action since sustaining a back injury during the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia in Sydney last month. The star pacer walked off the field in the first innings and was unable to bowl in the second.
Record-Breaking Performance Before Injury:
- Most wickets by an Indian player in an away Test series – 32 wickets in 5 matches
During the squad announcement last month, chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that Bumrah was advised to rest for five weeks before a final assessment of his fitness.
Latest Update on Bumrah’s Condition:
- Suffered a stress reaction in his back
- Underwent a scan and is currently recovering at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru
- Medical team & selectors to decide on his return
With the February 11 squad submission deadline, India faces a tough decision. Changes to the squad after this date will require ICC technical committee approval.
India’s Backup Plan: Who Will Replace Bumrah?
If Bumrah is ruled out, reports suggest India may still include him in the squad with the hope of his return later in the tournament. However, if he is completely unavailable, the frontrunner to replace him is:
Harshit Rana
- Currently playing against England in ODIs
- Made his debut in the series opener
- 4 wickets in 2 matches at 7.18 economy rate
Interestingly, Mohammed Siraj has been excluded from the Champions Trophy squad and was not selected for the ODIs against England, despite his brilliant ODI record (71 wickets in 44 matches).
India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule
February 20 –
