ICC Champions Trophy: No update on the availability of Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah has etched his name among the rare players who, on a given day, can single-handedly turn a match on its head. The seasoned pacer now carries the hopes of millions, showcasing a mastery that wins matches for his team. A player as crucial as Bumrah naturally becomes the team's best bet in any tournament. Thus, tension has been mounting as updates on the seamer's availability for the ICC Champions Trophy remain elusive. Bumrah sustained a back injury during the Sydney Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Initially, there was speculation that he would feature in the three-match India vs England series. However, he has been ruled out of the ongoing series, with uncertainty still looming over his fitness for the marquee event ahead.

Sitanshu Kotak evades the query about Bumrah's availability for the ICC Champions Trophy

Earlier reports indicated that an update on Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness would be provided on Saturday, February 8. However, there have been no updates from the management or the BCCI regarding the ICC Champions Trophy. Ruled out of the India vs England ODI series, a crucial stepping stone before the ICC event kicks off on February 19, his chances of playing in the marquee tournament diminish a bit more with each passing day. Providing no respite, India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, remained tight-lipped about Bumrah’s fitness status as the deadline for finalizing the Champions Trophy squad approaches.

Although Bumrah has been included in India’s squad for the high-stakes ICC event, doubts persist over his availability, with the BCCI yet to provide any concrete update on his recovery from the back strain he sustained during the Australia tour. With the Champions Trophy set to commence on February 19 in Dubai and Pakistan, speculation continues to grow regarding the mounting pressure on both the BCCI medical team and Bumrah to ensure his timely recovery. When questioned about Bumrah’s condition ahead of the second ODI against England, Kotak admitted he had no knowledge of the pacer’s latest scan results. However, while expressing confidence in India’s preparation for the tournament, he refrained from revealing details about the team’s potential combination.

"That’s something the physio would know," Kotak said when queried about the seamer. "The entire team looks solid. Whether there is any experiment, new players will come to the XI or some senior players will be left out. It's the head coach and captain who will discuss and they will decide. So, I don't think I can make any comment on that," he added.

On a positive note, Mohammed Shami recently made his return to competitive cricket and looked in promising form, which bodes well for Team India. Kotak also reassured that the seasoned pacer is "completely fit," offering a much-needed boost to the squad’s bowling attack. Moreover, the coach confirmed the availability of Virat Kohli for the second India vs England ODI after his omission from the opening fixture due to a swollen knee.