Thu Feb 13 06:10:14 UTC 2025: ## Bumrah Ruled Out of Champions Trophy Due to Injury; Rana Named as Replacement

**New Delhi, February 12, 2025** – Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been withdrawn from the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy due to a recurring lower back injury, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Tuesday. This decision ends speculation surrounding his participation in the tournament, beginning February 19th in Pakistan.

Harshit Rana has been selected as Bumrah’s replacement. The selectors also opted for mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, replacing batter Yashasvi Jaiswal from the provisional squad. Jaiswal will remain a non-travelling reserve.

Bumrah, who underwent back surgery in 2022, sustained a new stress injury during the recent Sydney Test against Australia. Despite completing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), medical assessments deemed him unfit for the tournament. A BCCI source stated that the decision was made to avoid risking further injury. The selection committee, including chairman Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and captain Rohit Sharma, weighed the risks before opting for Rana.

Chakravarthy’s inclusion, a personal preference of coach Gambhir, adds a fifth spinner to the squad. India will play all their Champions Trophy matches in Dubai. Bumrah’s potential return is anticipated later in the year, possibly with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL.

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