Jasprit Bumrah's medical reports submitted to the BCCI and the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar indicated that the fast bowler had completed his rehabilitation. However, the medical team at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru was unable to confirm his readiness for the Champions Trophy. Consequently, the decision rested with chief selector Ajit Agarkar, who opted not to take any risks with Bumrah, as he had not yet resumed full-speed bowling. As a result, India replaced Bumrah with Harshit in their final squad for the Champions Trophy, which commences on February 19. Additionally, spinner Varun Chakaravarthy was included in place of opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Bumrah, who underwent lower back surgery in 2022, suffered another stress-related injury while bowling in the final Test against Australia in Sydney, where he withdrew after bowling 10 overs in the first innings. He was prescribed complete rest for a month and was unavailable for selection during the entire white-ball home series against England.

According to a senior BCCI source speaking to PTI on the condition of anonymity, "Bumrah was instructed to rest for five weeks, after which his rehabilitation at the NCA was conducted under the supervision of strength and conditioning trainer Rajnikanth and physiotherapist Thulasi."

NCA says Bumrah's medical reports okay but not bwling it

The official confirmed that Bumrah's scan results were satisfactory; however, NCA head Nitin Patel deferred the final decision to chief selector Agarkar, as Bumrah had not been tested in a competitive match environment.

According to the report from Nitin Patel, while Bumrah has completed his rehabilitation and his scan results appear positive, it remains uncertain whether he will be fit to bowl by the time the tournament commences. Consequently, the selectors opted against taking any risks.

Nitin placed the decision in Ajit Agarkar's hands, leading to a cautious approach regarding the inclusion of an unfit player in the squad. The official remarked that without a full medical clearance, the selection committee could not afford to take such a risk.

During a meeting in Ahmedabad involving chief selector Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and captain Rohit Sharma, the team discussed the possibility of including an unfit Bumrah for the Champions Trophy versus selecting the less experienced Rana.

The potential consequences were significant, as it would have been highly embarrassing if Bumrah had sustained an injury during a match. The NCA, under Nitin Patel's leadership, had previously faced challenges in 2022 when they allowed Bumrah to participate in a bilateral series against Australia prior to the T20 World Cup, resulting in a year-long absence due to injury.

That situation occurred under Chetan Sharma's committee, and Agarkar was determined not to repeat such a mistake.

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