In a massive setback for Team India, premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The 30-year-old pacer has not fully recovered from the back discomfort that he sustained during the Sydney Test in January, which also kept him out of the England white-ball series.
Despite undergoing scans in Bengaluru over the weekend, which did not reveal any severe issues, Bumrah is still not ready to resume bowling. While there is no clear timeline for his return, he is expected to begin running in a couple of weeks before gradually working his way back into full training. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) medical team will continue monitoring his progress.
This marks the second time Bumrah has missed a major ICC event due to injury, following his absence from the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.
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Harshit Rana Named as Bumrah’s Replacement
With the ICC setting February 11 as the final date for squad submissions, the Indian selectors have opted for young pacer Harshit Rana as Bumrah’s replacement. Rana, who made his ODI debut in the ongoing England series, was initially named as a backup in the provisional squad.
During his debut in Nagpur, Rana shared the new ball with Mohammed Shami and showcased his potential despite a tough spell against Phil Salt, who smashed him for 26 runs in a single over. However, the Delhi-born seamer bounced back brilliantly, scalping three crucial wickets and helping India gain control of the match.
His selection over more experienced bowlers like Mohammed Siraj raised eyebrows, given that Siraj played a pivotal role in India’s dominant 2023 World Cup campaign. Captain Rohit Sharma, however, explained the rationale behind the decision, stating, “Siraj’s effectiveness comes down a little if he is not going to take the new ball.” The management felt confident in Shami leading the attack and left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh handling the death overs.
Varun Chakravarthy Replaces Jaiswal in Squad
Apart from Bumrah’s absence, the BCCI also confirmed another squad change, with mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy replacing Yashasvi Jaiswal. While Jaiswal was originally named in the provisional squad, he will now be a non-traveling reserve alongside Mohammed Siraj and Shivam Dube.
Varun’s inclusion was strongly hinted at by Rohit Sharma last week, who praised the spinner’s impact, stating that he “clearly had something different about him.” Since making a comeback to the Indian T20I side, Varun has taken an impressive 31 wickets at an average of 11.25. His performances earned him an ODI debut against England in Cuttack, where he returned figures of 1 for 54.
India’s Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
With these last-minute changes, India’s final 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy is:
Squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy.
Non-traveling reserves: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj, Shivam Dube.
A Big Test for India’s Bowling Attack
Bumrah’s absence leaves a significant void in India’s bowling department, especially in a high-stakes ICC tournament. However, the selectors have placed their faith in the younger generation, hoping that Harshit Rana can step up on the big stage. The addition of Varun Chakravarthy provides a tactical advantage, given his ability to deceive batters with his variations.
With an experienced batting core led by Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill, India still boasts a formidable squad. The onus will now be on the pace attack—Shami, Arshdeep, and Rana—to deliver when it matters the most.
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FAQs
Why is Jasprit Bumrah not playing in the Champions Trophy 2025?
Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out due to a back injury he sustained during the Sydney Test in January. Although his recent scans showed no serious concerns, he is not yet fit to resume bowling.
Who has replaced Bumrah in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad?
Harshit Rana has been named as Bumrah’s replacement. He recently made his ODI debut against England and impressed with his ability to bounce back after a tough start.
Why was Harshit Rana chosen over Mohammed Siraj?
The selectors felt that Siraj is most effective with the new ball, and with Bumrah unavailable, they backed Shami and Arshdeep for key bowling roles. Rana’s recent performances also played a role in his selection.
What other squad changes have been made for the Champions Trophy?
Varun Chakravarthy has replaced Yashasvi Jaiswal in the final squad. Jaiswal, along with Mohammed Siraj and Shivam Dube, will now be non-traveling reserves.
What does Bumrah’s absence mean for India’s bowling attack?
India will rely on experienced pacers Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh, with Harshit Rana expected to step up. Varun Chakravarthy’s inclusion also strengthens India’s spin options.
