In a major setback for the Indian cricket team ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the tournament due to a lower back injury. This news has come as a blow to Team India, as Bumrah has been a key player in their bowling attack for several years.
Bumrah’s Injury and Absence from ICC Champions Trophy
Jasprit Bumrah’s injury worries began during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, where he injured his back, which confined him to some sort of rest and, therefore, left his rehabilitation. The treatment he received at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) failed to get him to full fitness in time for the ICC Champions Trophy set to begin very soon.
As such, Bumrah was not included in the Indian squad for the three-match ODI series against England when he was initially slated to play in the last game. But, as it turned out, recovery was not progressing as he had expected. His absence will take a big toll on India’s pace attack for this prestigious tournament.
Harshit Rana Steps In for Bumrah
It was on the latter’s contract that, when unexpected injury concerns came up with Bumrah, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) included pace Harshit Rana in the squad for the ICC Champions Trophy. Harshit Rana had filled in for Bumrah during the ODI series against England and gets the chance to prove himself at the international level.
Rana’s inclusion comes at a crucial time, and his performance in the ODI series against England has earned him the right to be included.
Varun Chakravarthy Joins
With Harshit Rana making the cut, fellow spinner Varun Chakravarthy finds himself on the plane going to Dubai with the team. Chakravarthy showed immense promise in limited-overs cricket against England with his excellent bowling. However, in order to accommodate Chakravarthy, Yashasvi Jaiswal has been excluded from the touring party.
Varun Chakravarthy’s addition to the Champions Trophy squad could give India’s spin department, which was already performing well, a welcome boost. His recent performances might solidify his place as a valuable asset to Team India.
Revised Indian Team for the Champions Trophy
Jasprit Bumrah lying injured with changes in the team has brought forth the final list of the players traveling for the ICC Champions Trophy.
Main Squad:
Rohit Sharma (captain)
Shubman Gill (vice-captain)
Virat Kohli
Shreyas Iyer
KL Rahul (wicketkeeper)
Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper)
Hardik Pandya
Axar Patel
Washington Sundar
Kuldeep Yadav
Harshit Rana
Mohammad Shami
Arshdeep Singh
Ravindra Jadeja
Varun Chakravarthy
Non Traveling Reserves:
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Mohammad Siraj
Shivam Dubey
The reserves will travel to Dubai with the main squad and will be on standby in case of changes or injuries.
The Indian pace attack is definitely going to miss its prized jewel, Jasprit Bumrah, who has been instrumental in its success over the last few years. Nevertheless, headed by Harshit Rana and bolstered by Chakravarthy, India is expected to send a strong squad headed into the ICC Champions Trophy. The changes should lend a fresh approach to the team to inspire it in the quest to win back the Crown.
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