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| Practice Session- File Photo |
As per reports from the Indian Express, Jasprit Bumrah will report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) for rehabilitation due to a back injury. Initial scans suggest no fractures, but Bumrah’s recovery will be monitored closely for the next three weeks. His fitness will play a crucial role in his inclusion in India’s ICC Champions Trophy squad.
Injury Concerns Surrounding Jasprit Bumrah
India’s hopes in the ICC Champions Trophy heavily depend on star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Reports suggest that he is undergoing a Grade-1 injury rehabilitation process. If this diagnosis holds, Bumrah will require at least three weeks of rehabilitation before returning to play (RTP). While the BCCI is optimistic about his recovery, his selection in the final squad remains uncertain.
For a Grade-1 injury, a three-week recovery period is required. Grade-2 injuries may extend to six weeks, and more severe Grade-3 injuries may take at least three months. The BCCI’s medical staff has not yet confirmed the exact grade of Bumrah’s injury.
Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja: The Big Question
The selection dilemma continues between Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja. While Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav’s positions appear secure, either Axar or Jadeja might make the cut. Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi are also being considered. Given that all matches will be played in Dubai, spinners are expected to play a key role.
BCCI’s Selection Strategy
Some media reports suggest that the BCCI might finalize its squad internally but delay the official announcement. This approach would mirror Pakistan’s strategy during the last T20 World Cup. The deadline for making changes to the squad is February 13, with the tournament beginning on February 19.
Probable Indian Squad for Champions Trophy
- Confirmed Players: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh
- Contenders: Axar Patel/Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy/Ravi Bishnoi, Rinku Singh/Tilak Varma, Avesh Khan/Mohammed Shami
Rishabh Pant Likely First-Choice Wicketkeeper
According to PTI, if Rishabh Pant is selected as the first-choice wicketkeeper, KL Rahul’s place in the squad may be in question. Rahul’s recent form has been inconsistent, with a below-par performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and a slow half-century against Australia in November 2023. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson could be included if coach Gautam Gambhir continues to influence selection decisions.
Selection Committee’s Upcoming Decisions
Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is also discussing India’s squad for the upcoming England ODI series scheduled to begin on February 6. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, both recovering from injuries, are unlikely to feature in this series. Their fitness for the Champions Trophy will be assessed after further rehabilitation and practice matches.
India’s Champions Trophy Schedule
The hybrid-model tournament will see India playing all their matches in Dubai, while other teams will compete in Pakistan. India will kick off their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20.
