Bumrah and Kuldeep named in India's ICC Champions Trophy squad despite injury concerns
India will host England in an ODI series before the ICC Champions Trophy, with Rohit Sharma's 15-man squad announced on Saturday.
Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav have been named in India's provisional 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy and ODI series against England.
The pair were expected to feature in the tournament next month, though injury doubts had cast shadows on the duo's availability.
Kuldeep has not played any competitive cricket since his hernia surgery in November, while star bowler Bumrah sustained a stress-related injury during the fifth Test against Australia.
Captain Rohit Sharma will lead the India squad as usual, aided by vice-captain Shubman Gill, who will be backed up at the top of the order by Yashasvi Jaiswal.
India's squad for the #ChampionsTrophy 2025 announced!
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 18, 2025
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All-rounders Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel were all included, along with Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul retaining their spots from the 2023 ODI World Cup squad.
Mohamed Shami was the highest wicket-taker at that tournament with 24 dismissals, and the bowler has been selected again despite a long injury lay-off.
Left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh earned his spot after finishing as the highest wicket-taker in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, leaving Mohammed Siraj without a place in the provisional squad.
Harshit Rana was also included as backup cover for Bumrah, who may not be fit for the first two ODIs against England next month as part of the three-match series.
India squad for ICC Champions Trophy:
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.