India suffered a significant setback ahead of the Champions Trophy as pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out on Tuesday after failing to recover from a back injury.
A day after the announcement, head coach Gautam Gambhir addressed the team’s ‘desperation’ to have Bumrah fit for the tournament, which ultimately ended in disappointment.
Bumrah sustained the injury during the Sydney Test last month and was expected to return for the final ODI against England after being advised to reduce his workload following the Australia tour.
However, he was quietly withdrawn from the series last week before the BCCI made the tough call to exclude him from the Champions Trophy squad on the eve of the deadline.
Speaking to Star Sports on Wednesday after India’s series whitewash over England, Gambhir acknowledged Bumrah’s absence as a major loss but emphasized the opportunity it presents for young bowlers.
“Obviously, we wanted him desperately. We know what he brings—he’s a world-class player. But some things are beyond our control. This now gives a chance for young guys like Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh to step up for the country. Sometimes, these are the moments players wait for. Harshit has been brilliant in this series, taking crucial wickets, and we know what Arshdeep can offer. Yes, Bumrah will be missed, but having someone like Mohammad Shami back with his experience is a big plus,” Gambhir said.
Rana, who impressed with six wickets in three ODIs against England, has been named as Bumrah’s replacement for the Champions Trophy.
India also added mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who made his ODI debut in the second match of the series, replacing Yashasvi Jaiswal in the final squad.
Jaiswal, originally part of the provisional team, has now been named a non-traveling substitute alongside Mohammed Siraj and Shivam Dube.