File photo of India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah© AFP
Indian cricket team star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is all set to be included in the 15-man squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy, according to a report by India Today. There has been a lot of talk about Bumrah's availability after he suffered a back spasm during the last Test match against Australia in Sydney. However, the report claimed that he will be included in the squad but his participation will be “subject to eligibility”. The report further said that “the selectors want Bumrah to play at least one competitive match before the Champions Trophy to assess his suitability and make a final decision”. However, according to the report, there will be no room for Sanju Samson or in-form Karun Nair in the squad.
Nair emerged as a surprise choice for the selectors after a sensational run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. With 752 runs in 8 matches, he was a consistent star in the competition. With an average of 752, the veteran batsman has hit five centuries in just seven innings.
However, the report claimed that “selectors feel it would be unwise to recall Nair, who last represented India in 2017, just before a major tournament”.
Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson was selected in the squad for the England T20Is but is unlikely to have similar success when it comes to the England ODIs and Champions Trophy. According to the report, he will not be eligible for the two series and one of the reasons behind the selectors' decision was the fact that he did not participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
The report stated that the selectors were not happy with his absence amid BCCI's push to include national team players in domestic competitions. It was also one of the key directives in BCCI's 10-point diktat after the humiliating Test series defeat to Australia.
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