New Delhi [India], January 18: There is a strong possibility that right-arm seamer Jasprit Bumrah will be included in the Indian squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, as per ESPNcricinfo reports. Bumrah’s selection, however, will depend on his fitness.
The pacer missed the final innings of the fifth and last Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia in Sydney, after being advised by Australian doctors not to bowl. Following this, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided Bumrah should rest for at least five weeks (the Sydney Test ended on January 5) before undergoing another scan.
If all goes as planned, Bumrah’s fitness will be assessed during the third and final ODI against England on February 12, with the final squad for the Champions Trophy set to be announced by February 11.
Despite challenges faced during the tour, Bumrah was India’s standout performer, earning the Player of the Series award for his impressive contributions. He finished the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with 32 wickets in five matches, averaging a remarkable 13.06, including three five-wicket hauls and a best of 6/76. He also reached his 200th Test wicket milestone, becoming the fourth-fastest player to do so in terms of balls bowled, and the first bowler in history to claim 200 Test wickets at an average below 20.
BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar and Indian skipper Rohit Sharma are scheduled to hold a press conference in Mumbai on Saturday to announce the squads for the ICC Champions Trophy and the three-match ODI series against England.
The ICC Champions Trophy will run from February 19 to March 9, hosted by Pakistan and the UAE. India will play their group-stage matches in the UAE, with a hybrid model for the tournament. The eight-team event will feature 15 50-over matches across venues in Pakistan and Dubai. India’s first match will be against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by their high-profile clash with Pakistan on February 23. India’s final group match will be against New Zealand on March 2.
Group A will feature current champions Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Group B will consist of World Cup 2023 champions Australia, Afghanistan, England, and South Africa.