India’s Jasprit Bumrah Ruled Out of Champions Trophy with Back Injury
India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah is out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to a back injury. Harshit Rana steps in as his replacement.
India Faces Major Setback as Jasprit Bumrah Misses Champions Trophy
In a significant blow to India’s campaign in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out due to a lower back injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Tuesday that Bumrah, known for his lethal pace and pinpoint accuracy, has not recovered in time for the tournament.
Bumrah, 31, had been instrumental in India’s recent Test series against Australia, finishing as the highest wicket-taker despite India’s 3-1 series defeat. However, during the final Test in Sydney, he experienced back spasms, forcing him to miss the subsequent five-match T20 series against England. Despite rehabilitation efforts, the pace spearhead remains unfit for selection.
Harshit Rana Named Replacement
With Bumrah sidelined, the BCCI has named 22-year-old pacer Harshit Rana as his replacement. Rana, who made his One Day International (ODI) debut earlier this month against England, impressed selectors with his ability to generate pace and movement. He has claimed four wickets in his two ODI appearances and will now have the opportunity to prove himself on a bigger stage.
“Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to a lower back injury. The men’s selection committee has named Harshit Rana as Bumrah’s replacement,” read a statement from the BCCI.
Additional Changes in India’s Squad
The BCCI also announced another key change to the squad, with leg-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy replacing batter Yashasvi Jaiswal. Chakaravarthy, a specialist in T20 cricket, made a mark during India’s five-match T20 series against England earlier this year, where he took 14 wickets.
India’s Road Ahead in the Tournament
India has been placed in Group A for the Champions Trophy and faces a challenging campaign. The team will kick off their tournament against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20, followed by a much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals and defending champions Pakistan. Their final group-stage match will be against New Zealand, a team known for its resilience in ICC tournaments.
With Bumrah’s absence, India’s pace attack will now rely heavily on the experienced Mohammed Shami and young Arshdeep Singh to deliver crucial breakthroughs. The all-rounder department remains strong, with Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja offering both batting depth and bowling options.
Full India Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
Rohit Sharma (Captain)
Shubman Gill (Vice Captain)
Virat Kohli
Shreyas Iyer
KL Rahul
Hardik Pandya
Axar Patel
Washington Sundar
Kuldeep Yadav
Harshit Rana
Mohammed Shami
Arshdeep Singh
Varun Chakaravarthy
Rishabh Pant
Ravindra Jadeja
Impact of Bumrah’s Absence on India’s Title Hopes
Bumrah’s unavailability raises concerns about India’s bowling strength, particularly in high-pressure knockout matches. His unique action, pace variations, and expertise in death overs have been crucial for India’s success in major ICC tournaments. Without him, the bowling attack will need to adapt quickly.
Harshit Rana’s inclusion injects fresh energy into the squad, but given his limited international experience, his ability to handle pressure at the Champions Trophy level remains uncertain. The bowling unit, led by senior pacer Mohammed Shami, will have to step up to fill the void left by Bumrah.
India’s Champions Trophy journey just got more challenging with Jasprit Bumrah ruled out due to a lingering back injury. While the inclusion of Harshit Rana and Varun Chakaravarthy adds new dimensions to the squad, the team’s success will depend on how well they adapt to the setback. As India gears up for their opener against Bangladesh, all eyes will be on the pace attack and how they cope without their star bowler.
Source: (Reuters)
(Disclaimer: This information is based on publicly available reports from the BCCI and ICC. Squad selections and injury updates are subject to change. Readers are advised to follow official sources for the latest developments.)
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