Jasprit Bumrah’s name has been omitted from India’s updated squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England.
This development has raised concerns regarding the star pacer’s fitness and availability, especially with the ICC Champions Trophy just around the corner.
Background on Bumrah’s Injury
Bumrah has been struggling with back spasms since the Sydney Test against Australia, which significantly limited his participation in competitive cricket.
Initially, he was included in India’s ODI squad for the series against England, with hopes that he would recover in time to play in the third ODI.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had previously indicated optimism about Bumrah’s return, stating that they were awaiting updates on his fitness.
However, on February 4, 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced an updated squad that did not include Bumrah.
Instead, mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy was added to the lineup following his impressive performance in the recent T20I series against England, where he took 14 wickets and was named ‘Player of the Series.’
Concerns Over Fitness and Future Participation
The absence of Bumrah from the ODI squad has sparked speculation about his fitness and availability for the ICC Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19.
The BCCI has not provided an official update regarding his condition, leaving fans and analysts concerned about whether he will be fit enough to participate in this crucial tournament.
Reports indicate that Bumrah is currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for rehabilitation. He will remain there until he receives clearance from the medical team to resume playing.
The lack of clarity surrounding his injury status has led to increased scrutiny and concern among cricket enthusiasts.
Implications for India’s Squad
Bumrah’s omission from the squad not only raises questions about his health but also affects India’s bowling strategy ahead of the ODIs against England.
His absence means that Harshit Rana will continue to play a pivotal role alongside other key bowlers like Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav. The updated squad now includes:
India’s updated squad for ODI series against England: Rohit Sharma (c), Ꮪhubman Gill (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy
