Jasprit Bumrah Ruled Out of Champions Trophy 2025; Harshit Rana Named as Replacement
In a major blow to Team India, star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin on February 19. Bumrah suffered a lower back injury during the final Test against Australia in Sydney last month and has yet to recover fully.
The Indian cricket board has confirmed that Harshit Rana will replace Bumrah in the tournament squad. The young fast bowler, who impressed in recent domestic and IPL performances, is expected to strengthen India’s pace attack in Bumrah’s absence.
Bumrah’s injury is seen as a significant setback for India’s bowling unit, given his experience and match-winning ability in ICC tournaments. The revised squad announcement comes as India finalizes its preparations for the much-anticipated event.
Team India has made significant last-minute changes to their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad after Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out due to a lower back injury. The Men’s Selection Committee has announced Harshit Rana as Bumrah’s replacement, with the young pacer expected to bolster India’s pace attack in the tournament.
In another update, spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has been included in the final squad following his stellar performance in the recent T20I series against England, where he claimed 14 wickets in five matches. His consistency earned him an ODI call-up in Cuttack, where he impressed with figures of 1/54.
The BCCI confirmed that Chakaravarthy will replace Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was part of the provisional squad. “Team India have also named Varun Chakaravarthy in the squad. The spinner will replace Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was initially named in the provisional squad,” the official statement read.
Following the reshuffle, Jaiswal joins Mohammed Siraj and Shivam Dube in the non-traveling reserves, who will remain on standby and could join the squad in Dubai if required.
With Bumrah sidelined, the spotlight now falls on Harshit Rana and Varun Chakaravarthy, both expected to play pivotal roles in India’s campaign as they gear up for the Champions Trophy 2025.
Jasprit Bumrah Ruled Out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Major Blow to India
Team India has been dealt a major setback ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah ruled out due to a recurring lower back injury. The two-time Champions Trophy winners (2002, 2013) will now have to navigate the high-stakes tournament without their pace spearhead and one of world cricket’s most dependable match-winners.
Bumrah, who made a remarkable comeback from a previous back injury, had been in sensational form across all formats. The 31-year-old was instrumental in India’s triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, where he was named Player of the Tournament after taking 15 wickets at an outstanding average of 8.26.
His dominance continued in the five-Test series against Australia, where he led the bowling attack with remarkable consistency despite India’s 3-1 series defeat. Bumrah claimed 32 wickets in nine innings at an incredible average of 13.06, reaffirming his status as one of the best fast bowlers in the world.
However, his heavy workload became a concern during the fourth Test in Melbourne, when he appeared fatigued and gestured to captain Rohit Sharma not to hand him the old ball. The situation deteriorated further during the fifth Test in Sydney, where Bumrah—standing in as captain—was forced to leave the field on Day 2 after experiencing discomfort. He was later taken for scans and did not return to bowl in the second innings.
The injury has now ruled him out of the Champions Trophy, leaving a significant void in India’s bowling lineup ahead of the marquee event.
When Chairman of Selectors Ajit Agarkar announced India’s squad for the ongoing ODI series against England and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, he remained cautiously optimistic that Jasprit Bumrah might recover in time for the later stages of the tournament. Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai alongside captain Rohit Sharma, Agarkar had said, “With Bumrah, we’re waiting for updates on his fitness and availability. As of now, it doesn’t look like he’ll be ready for the first few games, but we should have a clearer picture soon.”
However, the BCCI has now officially confirmed that Bumrah has been ruled out of the competition entirely due to his lower back injury. In his absence, Harshit Rana has been drafted into the squad as his replacement.
Bumrah’s withdrawal is a major setback for Team India, given his experience and proven match-winning ability in global tournaments. His absence could leave a noticeable void in India’s pace attack, adding extra pressure on the remaining fast bowlers as the team prepares for the high-profile event.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Back Problems Resurface, Ruling Him Out of ICC Champions Trophy 2025
India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah has once again been forced to the sidelines after his persistent back issues flared up ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The setback has reignited concerns about the 31-year-old’s long-term fitness, particularly given the strain his unconventional bowling action places on his body.
This is far from Bumrah’s first battle with back injuries. In September 2019, he was diagnosed with a stress fracture that kept him out of international cricket for nearly three months. His back problems resurfaced in 2022, ruling him out of both the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup, two major tournaments that year.
Bumrah eventually underwent back surgery, which required an extensive 10-month rehabilitation period. He made his much-awaited return in July 2023, captaining India in a T20I series against Ireland and signaling a strong comeback.
However, with the latest recurrence of his injury, Bumrah has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025, dealing India a major blow just weeks before the tournament. His absence leaves a significant gap in India’s bowling attack, with selectors now forced to rethink their pace options ahead of the high-stakes event.
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