India will take a very important decision about Jasprit Bumrah for the Champions Trophy squad by February 11. The last date for the final squads submission is nearing the deadline set by the ICC. He is yet to recover completely from his injury and the fitness doubt still remains there, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Latest Update On Bumrah’s Fitness Test
It has recently come to know that Bumrah has had his back scanned at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The medical team of BCCI will work along with the selectors and India’s team management to decide if Bumrah is fit to play in the tournament. Even though Bumrah was named in the 15-man provisional squad on January 18, he has not played in any of India’s matches in the ODI series against England. These are the last matches for India before the Champions Trophy on February 19.
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Preliminary Assessment Of Injury
When the provisional squad was announced in January, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had stated that, based on input from the BCCI’s medical staff, Bumrah was unlikely to be available for the first couple of games in the England ODI series. Agarkar mentioned that Bumrah had been instructed to take five weeks off from bowling, after which he would undergo a fresh scan in early February. The stress reaction was found to be the cause of Bumrah’s back issue, which resulted in his longer than expected rest.
The Alternatives Available
Since Bumrah hasn’t played since the Sydney Test in early January, India now needs to decide if he can be a part of the Champions Trophy. If Bumrah will not be able to play the tournament, Harshit Rana, who has already played the first two ODIs against England, could replace him. However, if there is a likelihood that Bumrah may join the team later on, it would be wise for India to retain him in the initial 15 and relieve him of their duty at a later stage, after the approval from the ICC technical committee after February 11.
Also Read: Rachin Ravindra Injury: Top 3 Replacements If New Zealand Batter Gets Ruled Out Of Champions Trophy
India In Champions Trophy
India is placed in Group A of the Champions Trophy, with the likes of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. As India is unlikely to travel to Pakistan, the matches for India will be hosted in Dubai. The campaign for India starts on February 20 against Bangladesh, then Pakistan on February 23, and New Zealand on March 2.
