Jasprit Bumrah reaches Bengaluru for scans ahead of England ODIs

India are set to play a three-match ODI series against England from February 6 following a successful five-match T20I series, which they won a dominating margin of 4-1. The upcoming ODIs will be the last for both the teams before the Champions Trophy 2025, which will be taking place in Pakistan and UAE in February-March. The series will start on February 6 in Nagpur, with the Champions Trophy squads of the both the teams set to be in action.

While the squads have already been announced, there are some concerns regarding a few players, one of which is star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, whose availability in the England series as well the Champions Trophy is dependent on the recovery of the back injury he suffered against Australia during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Sydney. Meanwhile, Bumrah has reportedly reached Bengaluru for scans and further assessment.

India chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar had spoken on the pacer's condition while announcing India's squad in a press conference in Mumbai last month. Agarkar had confirmed that Bumrah would not be available for the first two ODIs of the England series but could return for the third one on February 12 to get some game time under his belt. 

“Bumrah has been told to off-load for five weeks after and he won't be available for the first two ODIs against England. We are waiting on his fitness and will know his status in early February from the medical team. 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," Agarkar had said. 

In case Bumrah does not recover in time, he is expected to be replaced by Harshit Rana, who is officially not a part of the Champions Trophy squad but has been included for the ODI series against England.

Speaking of the ODI series against England the first match will be played at Nagpur and the Indian team has already arrived at the venue. The last time India played ODI cricket against Sri Lanka in 2024 when they lost 2-0 in an away series. The home series against England will be a chance for Rohit Sharma and Co. to not just prepare for the Champions Trophy but also make a comeback in the format.