Wed Feb 12 16:01:53 UTC 2025: ## Bumrah Omitted from Champions Trophy Squad Due to Fitness Concerns
**Ahmedabad, India –** Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of India’s Champions Trophy squad due to lingering fitness concerns, the BCCI announced today. Despite completing rehabilitation from a stress-related back injury sustained during the recent Australia Test series, the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru could not guarantee his full match fitness by the tournament’s February 19th start date.
Bumrah, who underwent back surgery in 2022, had been given five weeks of rest followed by rehabilitation at the NCA. While scans showed improvement, he hasn’t yet resumed full-intensity bowling. NCA head Nitin Patel, while confirming the completion of rehabilitation, stated that it couldn’t be definitively concluded whether Bumrah would be match-ready in time. This cautious assessment left the decision to chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who opted to err on the side of caution.
The selection committee, including Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and captain Rohit Sharma, discussed the risk of including an unfit Bumrah. The potential for another injury, especially given the high stakes of the Champions Trophy, and the NCA’s past experience with rushing Bumrah back into action were key factors in the decision. In 2022, a premature return led to a year-long absence for the star bowler.
Bumrah’s place in the squad has been filled by Harshit, while spinner Varun Chakaravarthy replaces opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. The BCCI emphasized the importance of prioritizing player health and preventing further injury.
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