’10 percent chance’: Jasprit Bumrah has little hope of returning to Champions Trophy

Jasprit Bumrah was India’s top performer in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy by some margin, meaning his potential absence from the Champions Trophy team in a month’s time could spell disaster for the team. Bumrah suffered an injury on the second day of the fifth and final Test against Australia in Sydney, serious enough to keep him out of the crucial fourth innings of the match. There are just a few days left before the provisional squad for the Champions Trophy is announced and there is still no confirmation of Bumrah’s fitness.

Speaking on the matter, former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali did not appreciate Bumrah’s chances of making it into the squad.

“We will find out what has been announced regarding Bumrah. I think he has a 10 per cent chance (of making the team),” Basit Ali said while speaking on his own YouTube channel.

Bumrah was reportedly suffering from back spasms during the second day of the fifth Test, but if he does not make the Champions Trophy squad, it could indicate something more serious.

Team India has to announce its squad by January 12, the deadline set for all countries to submit their squads. However, changes to the final 15-man roster can be made up to a week before the tournament, with the final date being February 13th.

The 2025 Champions Trophy starts on February 19, with India’s first game to be played on February 20.

Bumrah is unlikely to be included in the squad for India’s three-match ODI series against England, which precedes the Champions Trophy. The ODI series starts on February 6.

Bumrah’s absence would be a major blow to India’s pace arsenal, which was not at full strength during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy also due to the absence Mohammed Shami. However, as the Champions Trophy approaches, Shami’s chances of returning to India also seem to be increasing.

The pacer recently posted a couple of videos showing him sweating it out in training as he aims to get back to full fitness ahead of the tournament.