India may be in the middle of a high-profile three-match ODI series against England, but all eyes remain on their pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, whose availability for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 remains uncertain. The ace fast bowler is currently at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, undergoing medical assessments following a back spasm he sustained during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian team management are eagerly awaiting Bumrah’s scan reports, which are expected to arrive within the next 24 hours. The results will play a decisive role in mapping out his rehabilitation process and potential return to action. If deemed fit, Bumrah could feature in the Champions Trophy; if not, India may have to finalize their squad without their most potent fast bowler.
According to a report by Times of India, Bumrah’s medical assessments have been completed at the NCA, and a comprehensive report is now awaited. Notably, New Zealand-based Dr. Rowan Schouten, who has been consulted for Bumrah’s previous injuries, is expected to weigh in on the latest findings. The BCCI is likely to consider his expert opinion before making any final decisions regarding Bumrah’s rehabilitation and return.
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With the ICC setting February 12 as the deadline for finalizing the Champions Trophy squads, India finds itself in a race against time. Bumrah’s potential absence would be a major setback, especially with Virat Kohli also dealing with a knee issue that forced him to miss the first ODI against England in Nagpur.
Jasprit Bumrah update:
* Scans and assessment done at the NCA
* Comprehensive report will be on the table in next 24 hours
* It will be shared with Boom’s doc in New Zealand too. Just like first scan went to him pic.twitter.com/WNwVF0dqb8— Neha Sharma (@cricnehaa) February 7, 2025
While India remains hopeful about Bumrah’s recovery, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that the team is already preparing for the possibility of playing the Champions Trophy without their pace spearhead. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra pointed to Harshit Rana’s ODI debut as an indication that India is actively looking for alternatives.
“Harshit Rana’s debut tells me that there are minimal chances of Jasprit Bumrah being available for the Champions Trophy. If Bumrah is not there, and you have to take Harshit, who is ahead of [Mohammed] Siraj at the moment, playing him without a debut would make your heart beat fast,” Aakash Chopra explained.
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The 22-year-old Harshit Rana, who was named in India’s squad for the first two ODIs against England, made an impressive debut in Nagpur. Despite a shaky start, where he conceded 26 runs in an over to Phil Salt, Rana bounced back brilliantly, picking up three crucial wickets—including Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, and Liam Livingstone—to help India secure a four-wicket win and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
