ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India coach delivers shocking update on Jasprit Bumrah's future

Team India batter coach Sitanshu Kotak has provided a crucial update on Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness ahead of the second ODI of the three-match series against England. Sitanshu Kotak stated that the Indian team is still uncertain about the pace-bowling spearhead's fitness and recovery from the recent injury.

Bumrah sustained an injury during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) in Australia. He suffered a back injury during the first innings of the final Test against Australia in Sydney. The right-arm fast bowler was forced to miss the entire second innings, and India went on to lose the match and the series.

Jasprit Bumrah Included in India's Provisional 15-Member Squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Jasprit Bumrah has been included in India's provisional 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to commence on February 19. However, his participation remains uncertain due to ongoing fitness concerns. There has been no official update on his recovery from the back injury.

The 31-year-old bowler recently underwent scans at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, but no clear timeline for his return has been provided. He was initially expected to play in the third ODI of the series against England but was ruled out, with Harshit Rana making his ODI debut in Nagpur.

Not Aware About Jasprit Bumrah's Scans - Sitanshu Kotak

In a pre-match press conference, Sitanshu Kotak was asked about Jasprit Bumrah's fitness. Kotak said that he was unaware of Bumrah's scan results and added that only the team's doctor or physio would know about that.

"Not aware about Bumrah's scans, so that will be obvious our doctor, or physio will know about that," Kotak said.

Bumrah's availability for the upcoming ICC event is crucial for India. He was named Player of the Series during India's tour of Australia. Bumrah received the Men's Cricket of the Year and Test Cricketer of the Year awards from the ICC. He also earned spots in the ICC Men's Test and ODI Teams of the Year.

The Entire Team Looks Solid - Sitanshu Kotak

The batting coach refrained from commenting on the team combination for the upcoming match. He said that decisions regarding potential changes, such as introducing new players or resting senior players, will be made by the head coach and captain.

"The entire team looks solid. Whether there is any experiment, new players will come to the XI or some senior players will be left out. It's the head coach and captain who will discuss and they will decide. So, I don't think I can make any comment on that," Kotak said.

Kotak also discussed Arshdeep Singh's potential inclusion in the second ODI. He confirmed that Mohammed Shami is fully fit.

"Shami is absolutely fit, he is completely fit, and if Arshdeep gets a chance, the same answer again, that head coach and captain can decide," Kotak added.

Also read: Watch: Steve Smith takes unbelievable one-handed catch to dismiss Dhananjaya de Silva in 2nd Test