BCCI Faces Tough Call on Jasprit Bumrah’s Champions Trophy Selection – Insider Report
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and team management are set to make a final decision on Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Tuesday, February 11. According to a report by ESPN Cricinfo, the Indian pacer’s fitness status will determine whether he remains in the squad or is replaced ahead of the tournament.
Bumrah, who has been out of action since suffering a back injury during the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia in Sydney last month, remains a major concern for India’s pace attack. If he is ruled out, 23-year-old Harshit Rana is being considered as his likely replacement for the marquee ICC event.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Injury and Recovery Timeline
📅 Last Appearance: 5th Test vs Australia (Sydney, January 2025)
⚕️ Injury: Stress reaction in the back
🏥 Current Status: Under medical supervision at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru
Bumrah’s injury concerns started when he walked off the field in the first innings of the Sydney Test, unable to bowl in the second innings. Despite setting a record for the most wickets by an Indian bowler in an away Test series (32 wickets in five matches), his participation in the Champions Trophy remains in serious doubt.
What the BCCI & Team Management Are Considering:
- Bumrah was advised five weeks of rest before a final fitness assessment.
- Scans conducted last week will determine whether he can return in time for the Champions Trophy.
- February 11 is the final ICC squad submission deadline—after which any squad changes will require ICC approval.
Will India Risk Keeping Bumrah in the Squad?
There remains a possibility that India names Bumrah in the final squad, even if he misses the initial matches. However, if he is deemed unfit for most of the tournament, the BCCI is likely to replace him before the deadline.
Harshit Rana: The Likely Replacement for Jasprit Bumrah
If Bumrah is ruled out, the frontrunner to replace him is 23-year-old Harshit Rana, who recently made his international debut in the ongoing India vs England ODI series.
Harshit Rana’s ODI Performance So Far:
- Matches Played: 2
- Wickets Taken: 4
- Economy Rate: 7.18
Why Rana is the Favorite for Selection:
✅ Already part of the squad vs England
✅ Impressed selectors with early performances
✅ Considered a promising young fast bowler with raw pace and aggression
Interestingly, Mohammed Siraj, who played a key role in India’s 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, was not included in the Champions Trophy squad or the ODI series against England, raising questions about his omission.
India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule
Team India, led by Rohit Sharma, is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. The tournament will follow a hybrid model, with matches being played in Pakistan and the UAE.
India’s Group Stage Fixtures:
🏏 vs Bangladesh – February 20 (Dubai)
🏏 vs Pakistan – February 23 (Dubai)
🏏 vs New Zealand – March 2 (Karachi)
Key Questions for India Ahead of the Final Squad Announcement
🔹 Can Bumrah recover in time, or will India take the safe route and name his replacement?
🔹 Will Harshit Rana make the final cut, or will the selectors turn to a more experienced bowler?
🔹 Why was Mohammed Siraj left out despite his strong ODI record?
With just one day left before the final squad submission, India faces a crucial decision that could impact their chances of lifting the ICC Champions Trophy for the first time since 2013.
Stay tuned for the official squad announcement and latest updates! 🚀🏏
