Former Indian player Aakash Chopra has noted the absence of Jasprit Bumrah‘s name in the ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series in England’s tour of India 2025.
He pointed out that no explanation has been given for the premier pacer’s name being omitted. India and England will face off in a three-match ODI series ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra, the former India opener question on no update on Bumrah’s absence in india’s squad.
“When the press release came for the rejig in the Indian team, Varun Chakaravarthy had been added. The news is not about the addition but whose name is not there. The discussion is more about someone’s absence than someone else’s presence,” he said.
“Jasprit Bumrah’s name was there when the Champions Trophy squad was announced and it was also said that he would be available for the third match when the ODI team was announced.”
“However, if you see the squad that has been announced now, Bumrah’s name has been omitted. There is no explanation. There is no communication as to why Bumrah’s name is not there,” Chopra added.
Chopra also acknowledged that India can make changes to their Champions Trophy 2025 squad until February 11 and with permissions after that.
However, he noted that Jasprit Bumrah was picked in the original squad and was supposed to play the last ODI against England on February 12 to prove his fitness.
He also questioned whether Jasprit Bumrah should be picked in India’s Champions Trophy squad if he doesn’t play the final ODI against England.
“If Bumrah doesn’t play on the 12th and you reach the Champions Trophy, will you keep him in the team? I am a little worried.”
“This is the Champions Trophy, it’s an ICC event. You cannot have a separate 15 for the first match and the Pakistan game, and remove someone and bring in Bumrah for the New Zealand match. You cannot do that arbitrarily,” he said.
He also said that only fully fit players should be picked Champions Trophy. “When someone gets injured, you have to take permission from a committee to replace him mid-tournament.”
“You cannot do random things. In the 15, you pick players who are absolutely 100 percent fit, and you don’t keep subject-to-fitness players, and that worries me a little,” Chopra observed.
He also questioned on Siraj’s exclusion with Bumrah’s availability not confirmed yet. He pointed out concerns on India’s pace department with Harshit Rana set to make his debut, Mohammed Shami making a comeback and Arshdeep having played only eight ODIs.
