KKN Gurugram Desk | India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah remains sidelined as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced an updated squad for the upcoming ODI series against England. Despite initial hopes of his return for the third ODI, his name has been excluded from the squad, raising further concerns about his fitness and availability for upcoming international tournaments, including the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Meanwhile, Varun Chakaravarthy, the mystery spinner who impressed in the recent T20I series against England, has been included in the squad after his stellar bowling performances. His exceptional 14 wickets, including a five-wicket haul, earned him the Player of the Series award, prompting selectors to reward him with a place in the ODI team.

Jasprit Bumrah’s Injury Woes: A Prolonged Absence Raises Concerns

Bumrah’s fitness status has been a topic of discussion ever since he suffered back spasms during the Sydney Test against Australia. The injury prevented him from bowling in Australia’s second innings, and since then, his return to competitive cricket has been in doubt.

Initially, BCCI’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar expressed optimism regarding Bumrah’s recovery timeline, stating that the pacer was expected to be fit by early February. However, with the announcement of the updated ODI squad, it is evident that Bumrah’s rehabilitation has not progressed as planned.

BCCI’s Stance on Bumrah’s Fitness

During the squad announcement last month, Ajit Agarkar had remarked:
“With Bumrah, we are waiting to hear about his fitness and when he’s likely to be available. At the moment, I don’t think he is likely to be fit for the first couple of ODIs against England. We will probably hear more in the next week or so about his fitness.”

It was initially believed that Bumrah had been advised to offload his bowling workload for five weeks, with a tentative return set for early February 2025. However, with the latest squad update, it appears that the BCCI medical team has not cleared him for action yet.

Will Jasprit Bumrah Play in the Champions Trophy?

With the Champions Trophy 2025 approaching, Bumrah’s availability remains uncertain. His return will be subject to BCCI’s medical team’s final assessment, and no official confirmation has been provided regarding whether he will regain full fitness in time for the prestigious ICC event.

Bumrah’s absence from the ODI series against England further fuels speculation that he may miss out on the Champions Trophy, or at best, enter the tournament with limited match practice. The fast bowler’s injury history has been a major concern for Team India, especially with a packed international schedule leading up to the ICC event.

Varun Chakaravarthy Earns a Place in India’s ODI Squad

While Bumrah’s absence is a major setback, the inclusion of Varun Chakaravarthy in the ODI squad has been a positive development for Indian cricket. The mystery spinner was in sublime form during the T20I series against England, picking up 14 wickets in five matches, including a remarkable five-wicket haul.

Chakaravarthy’s performances played a crucial role in India’s T20I success, and his inclusion in the ODI squad suggests that the selectors are keen on testing his abilities in the 50-over format as well. His unorthodox bowling style and ability to deceive batsmen make him a valuable asset, particularly on spin-friendly pitches.

A Well-Deserved Call-Up

Speaking on Chakaravarthy’s selection, a senior BCCI official commented:
“Varun has shown immense control and skill in the T20I series. His performances have been outstanding, and he thoroughly deserves his place in the ODI squad. We are looking forward to seeing how he adapts to the longer format.”

Chakaravarthy’s rise in international cricket has been remarkable. From being an unknown entity in domestic cricket to becoming India’s go-to mystery spinner, his journey has been inspiring. His ability to bowl a variety of deliveries, including the carrom ball, leg spin, and off spin, makes him a difficult bowler to read, especially for batsmen unfamiliar with his style.

With India looking to build a strong squad for the Champions Trophy, Chakaravarthy’s inclusion suggests that the team management is keen on developing spin options alongside established bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja.

What Bumrah’s Absence Means for India’s Bowling Attack?

Jasprit Bumrah has been India’s leading fast bowler across all formats for the past several years. His ability to generate pace, bowl unplayable yorkers, and control the game in the death overs makes him an indispensable asset to the team.

With Bumrah sidelined, India will need to rely on other pacers to step up in the ODI series against England. The fast-bowling unit is likely to include:

• Mohammed Siraj – Known for his ability to swing the ball and provide early breakthroughs.
• Mohammed Shami – A veteran pacer with experience in handling high-pressure situations.
• Shardul Thakur – A handy all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball.
• Prasidh Krishna – An emerging fast bowler with the potential to make an impact.

Bumrah’s absence will test India’s depth in fast bowling, and the upcoming ODI series against England will provide an opportunity for other bowlers to stake their claim for a spot in the Champions Trophy squad.

The Road Ahead for Jasprit Bumrah

While fans eagerly await Bumrah’s return, the BCCI medical team will continue to monitor his progress closely. Given his history of injuries, the selectors will not want to rush his comeback, especially with a major ICC tournament on the horizon.

If Bumrah is unable to participate in the Champions Trophy, India might have to restructure their bowling attack and look for backup options to compensate for his absence. While India boasts a strong bowling unit, Bumrah’s experience and match-winning ability remain unparalleled.

As India prepares for the ODI series against England, the absence of Jasprit Bumrah has once again put the spotlight on his injury concerns. While the BCCI had initially hoped for his return in the third ODI, his continued unavailability has raised doubts about his fitness for the Champions Trophy 2025.

On the other hand, Varun Chakaravarthy’s inclusion in the ODI squad highlights India’s focus on strengthening their spin department. His outstanding performance in the T20I series has earned him a well-deserved place, and it will be exciting to see how he adapts to 50-over cricket.

With the Champions Trophy approaching, India will need to make crucial decisions regarding their bowling attack. If Bumrah is unable to regain full fitness, the team management will have to rely on alternative fast bowlers to lead the pace attack.

For now, all eyes remain on BCCI’s medical updates regarding Jasprit Bumrah’s rehabilitation, as fans and cricket analysts eagerly await news on whether India’s pace spearhead will be fit to take part in one of the biggest ICC tournaments of the year.