India ponder taking Bumrah to Dubai as he resumes bowling

The national selectors are in a difficult position regarding Jasprit Bumrah, as his exceptional skills could be crucial for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy starting on February 19, while also needing to ensure his long-term fitness. With the deadline to name squads looming, the Indian think-tank is deliberating whether to include Bumrah in the final Champions Trophy squad without having seen him in a competitive match to test his back. Any potential replacement player will require approval from the ICC technical team after Tuesday midnight.

Bumrah has begun bowling after undergoing scans on his back in Bengaluru. He has been slowly increasing his bowling workload, initially bowling two overs at a go, then three and now four. It’s still not clear if he would be fit and there is time to trial him in a practice match in Bengaluru itself, before the India team leave for Dubai on February 15.

When Ajit Agarkar’s selection committee had named Bumrah in the provisional squad, the chief selector had said the speedster was told to “off-load for five weeks and he won’t be available for the first two ODIs against England.” It’s now almost certain that Bumrah will also miss the third ODI on Wednesday.

If Bumrah goes on to miss the early part of the Champions Trophy, such a move will not be without precedent. Australia had named Travis Head in the 2023 ODI World Cup squad even when he was recovering from a broken hand. The left-handed opener entered the competition after missing the first three matches and ended up making telling contributions in Australia’s win, including in the final.

With Bumrah and a fast bowler’s injury prone back, there is a heightened risk. It will still have to be a well-considered call. Fresh deliberations between the India team management, Agarkar and the BCCI medical team are likely on Tuesday. If it’s considered not worth the risk, Harshit Rana, who has emerged as a viable back-up, would get the nod. Harshit has delivered spirited spells against England, picking up four wickets in two matches so far.

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