As the event draws nearer, selectors are keen to finalize India’s squad.
The absence of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah from the group-stage matches could be a major blow to the Indian cricket team ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.
Indian media reports that Bumrah has been diagnosed with a back inflammation, which initially appeared during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Sydney Test.
The pacer’s fitness status has already been communicated to the selection committee, and he has been told to report to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
The T20I team for the forthcoming series against England does not include Bumrah. According to sources, India has asked the ICC for an extension so they can submit their Champions Trophy preliminary team.
On the basis of Bumrah’s fitness updates, selectors are eager to confirm India’s roster closer to the event, even though today is the statutory deadline for submitting preliminary squads.
According to Indian media, Bumrah should be fully recovered by the first week of March. Notably, India will play New Zealand in their last group-stage match on March 2 in Dubai.
