According to the Times of India, The uncertainty surrounding Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy continues despite his inclusion in the squad. While the star pacer has been named on the team, his final availability hinges on the medical assessment by New Zealand specialist Dr. Rowan Schouten. The BCCI medical team remains in close consultation with their New Zealand counterparts, and any potential travel to New Zealand for further evaluation will be determined based on their feedback.
“The BCCI medical team is in touch with Schouten in New Zealand. The board had also planned a visit for Bumrah to New Zealand. But that hasn’t happened yet. The selectors know it will be a miracle if Bumrah turns up 100% fit in the given timeline,” a BCCI source told TOI.
“The reports will be shared with his doctor in New Zealand. Sending Bumrah to New Zealand will depend on the feedback. The board and Bumrah himself are not willing to push hard given his significance over a long period of time,” the source said.
“The selectors will only be informed if he is ready to take the field after the entire process is complete. The selectors will need to keep a backup plan ready for him. It will be a miracle if Bumrah makes it,” the source added.
Other Options
The selectors have already named Harshit Rana for the first two ODIs against England, but it would be interesting to see if Rana would continue in case Bumrah will not be fit for the Champions Trophy.
“Shami has shed two kgs from what he weighed before his injury. He is bowling at full tilt. He is not needed as much in the T20 matches. But he should be good to go once the ODIs come around,” the source added.
