Delhi: India has not yet announced its 15-member team for the Champions Trophy. This tournament will start from February 19 and will be played in Pakistan and United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Earlier there was news that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had requested to extend the deadline for the announcement of the team, whereas January 12 was the last date. Now it has come to light that due to the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, the announcement of the team is being delayed.
Bumrah- Kuldeep’s fitness challenge
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar, captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir held a meeting in Mumbai on Saturday. In this meeting the team for the Champions Trophy was to be selected. But according to a report in Dainik Jagran, there is confusion regarding the fitness of Bumrah and Kuldeep.
Uncertainty over Bumrah’s return
Bumrah had a back strain problem during the Sydney Test earlier this month. According to Indian Express, Bumrah will not be able to take part in the ODI series against England next month. He will report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru as his back is swollen. Bumrah may not be able to play the group stage matches of the Champions Trophy. However, the BCCI medical team has not yet issued any official statement in this regard.
Possible return of Kuldeep
Kuldeep became a victim of groin injury during the first Test match against New Zealand in October. After this his operation took place in Germany. Currently he is rehabbing at NCA in Bangalore. According to the report of Dainik Jagran, Kuldeep can be fit by the end of January. In such a situation, he can be included in the ODI series against England from 6th February.
Will Shami, Bumrah and Kuldeep join the team?
According to the report, the selectors have agreed to include Bumrah, Kuldeep and Mohammed Shami in the team for the Champions Trophy. Shami has returned to the Indian team after a long time. He has been selected in the team for the five-match T20 series against England starting from January 22. He took 24 wickets for India in the 2023 World Cup, but due to an ankle injury, he had to stay away from the game for a long time.
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