Team India has suffered a significant setback ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out due to a lower back injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the development in an official statement, announcing that young fast bowler Harshit Rana will replace Bumrah in the squad. The absence of Bumrah, one of India’s most lethal bowlers, is a major concern for the team, considering his impact in crucial matches. His last international appearance came in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia in Sydney, where he managed to bowl only 10.1 overs before experiencing discomfort. Despite attempting to bat in the second innings, he was unable to bowl again and was subsequently advised by Australian medical experts to sit out the remainder of the series. His recovery has since been closely monitored, but he has now been deemed unfit to participate in the marquee ICC tournament.
In another major change to India’s 15-member squad, promising young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been left out, with mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy taking his place. Jaiswal’s omission comes after his lackluster performance in his ODI debut against England, where he managed to score only 15 runs off 22 balls before being dismissed cheaply. Following his unimpressive outing, he was benched for the second ODI, making way for the experienced Virat Kohli at the top of the order. On the other hand, Chakaravarthy, who was given his ODI debut in the same series, delivered a respectable performance, claiming one wicket for 54 runs in his full quota of 10 overs. His inclusion in the squad hints at India’s strategy to bolster its spin attack for the conditions in Dubai, where the Champions Trophy will be held.
India will begin its campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai, where the conditions are expected to favor spinners. The squad, led by captain Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill, comprises a blend of experienced players and young talents. The team also includes stalwarts like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, and Ravindra Jadeja, along with a formidable bowling attack featuring Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav.
The BCCI has also named Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj, and Shivam Dube as non-traveling substitutes, who will be available to join the squad in Dubai if required. With Bumrah’s absence and Jaiswal’s exclusion, the Indian team will have to adapt quickly to the changes as they gear up for one of the most competitive tournaments in world cricket.
