'Hoping he will be fit' - Ajit Agarkar on Jasprit Bumrah's availability for Champions Trophy

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India's 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting February 19 in Pakistan and the UAE. The much-awaited question of the star pacer Jasprit Bumrah's availability was answered, as the speedster was picked in India's roaster for the prestigious tournament subjected to fitness.

Bumrah had to leave the Sydney Test against Australia midway through in the second innings after suffering back spasms following a high workload series. While India eventually lost that game and the series 3-1, Bumrah's impressive performance, where he bowled 151.2 overs and claimed 32 wickets at an average of 13.06, earned him the Player of the Series.

However, concerns about his fitness became the topic of discussion, with recent media reports speculating he was advised bed rest after returning from Australia. Dismissing these claims as "fake," Bumrah is set to commence his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

To ensure Bumrah’s availability, the selectors have made his Champions Trophy inclusion contingent on his fitness. Meanwhile, Harshit Rana has been named as his cover for the England series, though there is no backup for the pacer in the Champions Trophy squad. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar gave his take regarding Bumrah’s availability for the tournament.

"With Bumrah, we are waiting to hear about his fitness and when he's likely to be available," Agarkar said in Mumbai while announcing the Indian squads for the England series and the Champions Trophy. "At the moment I don't think he [Bumrah] is likely to be fit for the first couple of games [of England series] at least from what we gather. We will probably hear more in the next week or so about his fitness."

It is reported that the pacer will prove his match fitness by playing the third ODI against England in Ahmedabad on February 12. Meanwhile, Harshit Rana is set to be his backup as Bumrah is not going to be available for the first two 50-over games of the England series.

"I know he was asked to offload for five weeks of bowling, which is early first week February if I'm not wrong," Agarkar said. "And we'll probably find out a bit more around that time what exactly and with regards to what his medical condition is. I'm sure BCCI might just put something out from the physio itself. It's better it comes from the medical department than me trying to explain what exactly is wrong with him. But that's the time frame that we've been told. And hopefully, he's okay after that."

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: India announce squad, Jasprit Bumrah's availability subject to fitness

Despite fitness concerns, India’s Champions Trophy squad looks strong. The fast-bowling unit consists of Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh, with Shami returning after surgery on his left Achilles tendon.

All-rounders like Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja will add both batting and bowling depth, while Kuldeep Yadav is the sole specialist spinner. Additionally, the selectors have strengthened the top order by including Yashasvi Jaiswal alongside vice-captain Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul.