India fret over Jasprit Bumrah’s availability despite Champions Trophy selection-OxBig News Network

Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been named in India’s 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, despite concerns over his fitness following a back injury sustained during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Bumrah, who was leading India in the fifth Test against Australia, did not bowl on the final day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to back spasm.

Ajit Agarkar, the BCCI’s chief selector, was hopeful that Bumrah would recover in time to participate in the ICC tournament, which begins on February 19. Meanwhile, India did not name any backup for Bumrah in case he fails to be match-fit ahead of the group stage. The BCCI’s medical team has reportedly advised him to take two weeks of rest, ruling him out of the T20Is and ODIs against England. The Indian team management named Harshit Rana as Bumrah’s replacement for the England series.

Champions Trophy India squad announcement Highlights

Agarkar did not reveal the exact extent of Bumrah’s injury, leaving it to the Board’s medical team to provide further clarification. Shubman Gill was named Rohit Sharma’s deputy for the ODI series against England and the Champions Trophy.

“With Bumrah, we are waiting to hear about his fitness and when he is likely to be available. So, Harshit Rana will be part of the one-day squad against England for now. At the moment, I don’t think he’s likely to be fit for the first couple of games, at least from what we gather,” Agarkar told the reporters.

Veteran pacer Mohammed Shami and left-arm bowler Arshdeep Singh have also been named in India’s squad for the ICC event. Shami will make his India comeback in the five-match T20I series against England after being out of action in international cricket since November 2023. Arshdeep was picked over the experienced Mohammed Siraj.

India’s Champions Trophy campaign will kick off with a group clash against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

India squad for the Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah*, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal

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