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Bumrah Ruled Out, X-Factor Returns; India's Probable Final Squad For Champions Trophy



India might make changes to their provisional Champions Trophy squad [Source: @APTalksCricket, @OneCricketApp/X]India might make changes to their provisional Champions Trophy squad [Source: @APTalksCricket, @OneCricketApp/X]

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To the delight of cricket fans across the globe, the much-awaited ICC Champions Trophy is all set to be conducted next month. Eight top-tier ODI teams- Australia, India, England, New Zealand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and South Africa- will battle it out for supremacy in the tournament, which will be played between February 19 and March 9. 

Meanwhile, regarding India, the 2013 edition winners have been rocked by Jasprit Bumrah's back injury, which might force them to amend their Champions Trophy squad. Notably, Bumrah is in India's provisional squad, but if he doesn't receive fitness clearance, India will have to replace him with another pacer. 

It's worth mentioning that the teams can make changes to their provisional squads till February 11. Therefore, as Bumrah is doubtful for the Champions Trophy, let's see what could be India's final squad for the showpiece event. 

Will Jasprit Bumrah Be Ruled Out?

According to the latest report, Jasprit Bumrah has yet to recover from the back injury he sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under. As reported by the Times Of India (TOI), the pacer is running against time to get fit, and it will be a miracle if he fully recovers before the Champions Trophy. 

India have Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Shami to lead their pace-bowling department. Although they named Harshit Rana as Bumrah's backup for the first two England ODIs, India might go back to Mohammed Siraj if the ace speedster gets ruled out of the Champions Trophy. 

Why Could India Prefer Siraj, The X-Factor, Over Harshit For Champions Trophy?

Harshit Rana is a proven performer in the IPL and has been impressive in limited opportunities for the national side. However, he has featured in 14 List-A matches, scalping 22 wickets at an average of 23.45 and a strike rate of 25.3. 

Therefore, considering he lacks experience in the 50-over format, India might recall Siraj for the showpiece event. The right-arm seamer has been a force to reckon with the new ball, picking up 71 wickets in 43 outings. 

Rohit, Kohli, Pandya, Shami and Arshdeep To Form India's Core Unit

The rest of India's provisional Champions Trophy squad will likely remain unchanged, with captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh set to play key roles for the Men in Blue. There is also uncertainty looming over Kuldeep Yadav, who recently sustained a groin injury. If Kuldeep doesn't give India enough confidence with his fitness and form, the Men in Blue might replace him with the in-form Varun Chakravarthy. 

India's Probable Final Squad For Champions Trophy

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (WK), KL Rahul (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav/Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj