Jasprit Bumrah's fitness woes concern Indian team ahead of 2025 Champions Trophy

As the deadline approaches for finalizing squads for the 2025 Champions Trophy, the Indian cricket team remains on edge regarding Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness status. According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, a decision on Bumrah’s participation in the ICC tournament is expected by February 11, which is the last day for squad submissions.

Bumrah has been sidelined since the final innings of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, having been unable to bowl due to a back injury. Advised to rest by the medical staff of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Bumrah has been under their close watch.

Though named in the ODI squad for the series against England as part of preparations for the Champions Trophy, Bumrah did not participate in the initial two matches. Frequent inquiries about his status from the media have yielded little clarity, with team members and coaches unable to provide concrete updates. Currently, Bumrah is at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, where he remains under BCCI medical supervision.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar had indicated in January that Bumrah was unlikely to be fit for the start of the England ODI series, possibly extending his absence into the group stages of the Champions Trophy.

“Bumrah has been advised to rest for five weeks, ruling him out of the first two ODIs against England. We anticipate receiving an update on his fitness from the medical team by early February,” Agarkar confirmed on January 18.

In Bumrah’s absence, the Indian team has given opportunities to fast bowler Harshit Rana and mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy during the England series. Both players impressed in their outings, making them contenders for a spot in India’s Champions Trophy squad should there be last-minute changes.