Fitness concerns of Bumrah, Kuldeep delays India’s Champions Trophy squad announcement

by Tejas Rathi
Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav face fitness concerns ahead of Champions Trophy

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has yet to announce the provisional squad for the Champions Trophy, scheduled to take place from February 19 to March 9. The deadline for the squad announcement was set to be January 12 by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

According to reports, Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav have major fitness concerns, which is forcing the selectors to wait on their update and then take the final call on the squad.

Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir reportedly met in Mumbai on Saturday to discuss the Champions Trophy squad. But, due to Bumrah and Kuldeep’s participation being unconfirmed, the squad is not out yet.

Bumrah sustained a back injury during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this month, and was said to have contacted New Zealand-based surgeon for consultation. He is expected to miss the ODI series against England next month, which could have served as an ideal preparation for the Champions Trophy.

Meanwhile, Kuldeep last featured for India in October 2024 against New Zealand, and since been out of action due to groin injury. He is said to have undergone surgery in Germany and currently undergoing rehabilitation at NCA in Bengaluru.

The January 12 deadline was due to ICC arranging the stay and visas of all the players competing in the Champions Trophy. All the teams have time until February 13 to make revisions to their squad.

Australia announce their Champions Trophy squad

Cricket Australia has made their preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy public on Monday (January 13). Earlier, it was reported that Pat Cummins isn’t likely to play in the showpiece tournament due to the birth of his second child and an ankle injury. However, Cummins will now lead the power-packed 15-man squad, which also includes Josh Hazlewood. The veteran pacer missed three Border-Gavaskar Trophy Tests against India due to a calf injury.

Meanwhile, Matt Short and Aaron Hardie have received their maiden ICC event call-up, while Nathan Ellis is also included. The trio will replace David Warner (retired), Cameron Green (back surgery) and Sean Abbott from Australia’s 2023 World Cup squad.

Men’s national selection chair George Bailey remains confident that Cummins will be available for Australia’s first clash against England in Lahore on February 22.

“I want to give him a little bit of space at the back end of the Border-Gavaskar; obviously baby pending,” Bailey said. “We’ll work through that with Pat and obviously the selection panel and the medical team…but I know he’s very keen.”

Australia’s preliminary squad for Champions Trophy: Pat Cummins (c), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

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