Champions Trophy 2025: Jasprit Bumrah Ruled Out, Harshit Rana Named Replacement; Varun Chakaravarthy Joins Squad
India Faces Major Blow as Bumrah Misses Another ICC Event
India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to a lower back injury, the BCCI confirmed on February 11. The injury, sustained during the Sydney Test against Australia in January, has prevented Bumrah from regaining full fitness ahead of the marquee tournament, set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan.
This marks the second ICC event Bumrah will miss due to injury, having previously sat out of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.
In his absence, Harshit Rana, the rising fast-bowling sensation, has been named as his replacement. The young pacer, who impressed in the ongoing ODI series against England by picking up four wickets in two games, has been rewarded with a spot in the final 15-member squad.
Bumrah’s Recovery Timeline Unclear
While Bumrah’s latest scans in Bengaluru showed no major complications, the BCCI has decided not to risk his return, ensuring a gradual recovery process.
Medical Update on Bumrah:
- No major injury detected in scans
- Still experiencing discomfort in his back
- Likely to resume running in two weeks
- Bowling workload will increase gradually
- Under medical supervision at NCA, Bengaluru
- No confirmed return date yet
This means that India’s Champions Trophy campaign will be without their most experienced fast bowler, making Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh crucial for India’s success.
Surprise Selection: Varun Chakaravarthy In, Yashasvi Jaiswal Out
In another unexpected move, the selection committee has brought in mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, replacing young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been moved to the non-traveling reserves.
Why This Change?
- India already has a strong opening pair with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill
- Strengthening the spin department with a mystery spinner
- Varun’s T20 experience in UAE & Pakistan-like conditions could be a game-changer
Jaiswal, however, remains a part of the standby list along with Mohammed Siraj and Shivam Dube, who will travel to Dubai if needed.
India’s Road to Champions Trophy 2025: Fixtures & Key Battles
Team India is placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. The Men in Blue will kick off their campaign with a clash against Bangladesh before facing their arch-rivals Pakistan in what is expected to be one of the most-watched matches of the tournament.
India’s Group Stage Schedule
📅 February 20 – 🇮🇳 India vs Bangladesh 🏏 (Dubai)
📅 February 23 – 🇮🇳 India vs Pakistan 🏏 (Dubai)
📅 March 2 – 🇮🇳 India vs New Zealand 🏏 (Dubai)
Should India finish in the top two of Group A, they will qualify for the semi-finals.
India’s Full Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
| Player | Role |
| 🇮🇳 Rohit Sharma (C) | Opening Batter |
| 🇮🇳 Shubman Gill (VC) | Opening Batter |
| 🇮🇳 Virat Kohli | Middle-order Batter |
| 🇮🇳 Shreyas Iyer | Middle-order Batter |
| 🇮🇳 KL Rahul | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 🇮🇳 Rishabh Pant | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 🇮🇳 Hardik Pandya | All-rounder |
| 🇮🇳 Axar Patel | All-rounder |
| 🇮🇳 Washington Sundar | All-rounder |
| 🇮🇳 Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder |
| 🇮🇳 Kuldeep Yadav | Spinner |
| 🇮🇳 Varun Chakaravarthy | Mystery Spinner |
| 🇮🇳 Harshit Rana | Fast Bowler |
| 🇮🇳 Mohammed Shami | Fast Bowler |
| 🇮🇳 Arshdeep Singh | Fast Bowler |
Non-Travelling Standby Players:
🔹 Yashasvi Jaiswal (Batter)
🔹 Mohammed Siraj (Fast Bowler)
🔹 Shivam Dube (All-rounder)
These players will remain on standby and can be called up if any injuries occur during the tournament.
Key Talking Points Ahead of the Champions Trophy
Can India Win Without Bumrah?
- Without Jasprit Bumrah’s leadership in bowling, the onus falls on Shami, Arshdeep, and Harshit Rana to step up.
- Harshit Rana’s form will be crucial in Pakistani conditions, where seam movement is expected.
Will Varun Chakaravarthy Be India’s X-Factor?
- His mystery spin worked well in T20 leagues in UAE, a condition similar to Pakistan.
- He could be India’s trump card against Pakistan and New Zealand.
Can India Maintain Their Winning Streak in ICC Events?
- India has been dominant in ICC tournaments, winning the T20 World Cup 2024 and finishing as runners-up in the ODI World Cup 2023 & WTC Final.
- With Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant in top form, expectations are high.
A Tough Road Ahead for India
While losing Jasprit Bumrah is a major setback, India still boasts a well-balanced squad with a mix of experience and youth.
With Harshit Rana getting his first major ICC tournament opportunity, and Varun Chakaravarthy returning as a mystery weapon, India’s journey in the Champions Trophy 2025 will be one to watch.
Can India overcome this setback and lift the Champions Trophy once again? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! 🔥🏆🇮🇳
