On February 11, when the final squads must be submitted to the ICC, India will make a definitive choice over Jasprit Bumrah's participation in the Champions Trophy, despite ongoing doubts about his fitness.
According to information obtained by ESPNcricinfo, Bumrah recently underwent a back scan at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Before a decision is made, the medical staff of the BCCI will now consult with the selectors and the management of the India squad.
The Champions Trophy unofficial 15-man roster was named on January 18 and featured Bumrah. However, he has been unable to participate in India's final ODI series against England, which takes place on February 19. Although it was anticipated that Bumrah would be able to play the third ODI on Wednesday in Ahmedabad, he has instead traveled to Bengaluru.
Bumrah was not "likely to be fit for the first couple of games" in the England ODI series, according to information given by the BCCI medical team at the time, chief selector Ajit Agarkar stated in January when he announced the provisional selection for the Champions Trophy. Bumrah was "asked to offload for five weeks" from bowling, according to Agarkar, before having further back scans performed in the first week of February.
Since he was unable to bowl during Australia's second innings of the Sydney Test in early January, Bumrah has not participated in a game. It is known that he needed to relax for five weeks due to a stress reaction in his back.
Harshit Rana, who participated in the first two ODIs against England, may be India's replacement if they believe Bumrah won't play in the Champions Trophy. However, India may decide to keep Bumrah in the 15 and replace him later, pending ICC consent, if there is a chance he will become available in the later stages of the competition.
Any substitution after February 11 requires the technical committee of the tournament's approval.
India, which is in Group A of the Champions Trophy with Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand, will play all of its matches in Dubai since the Indian government has denied them permission to visit Pakistan, the tournament's official host. On February 20, they play Bangladesh to start the campaign. On February 23, they play Pakistan, and on March 2, they play New Zealand.