Rohit Sharma provides update on Bumrah’s fitness ahead of Champions Trophy

India captain Rohit Sharma has provided an update on fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness as the team prepares for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. India will face England in a three-match ODI series at home, and Bumrah’s availability remains uncertain due to a back spasm he suffered during the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia in January.  

Bumrah has been named in India’s squad for the Champions Trophy, but his participation is still unclear. Speaking before the first ODI against England in Nagpur, Rohit said, "Jasprit, obviously we're waiting on some update about his scan, which is due to happen in the next few days."  

There is still hope that Bumrah could play in the ODI series. Rohit added, "We're just waiting on that update, which is going to happen in the next few days, the scan. Then, probably we'll have a little more clarity about his participation in the last ODI."

With Bumrah’s status uncertain, India has added mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy to the squad for the England series. This will be Chakravarthy’s first time in the ODI setup after an impressive T20I series against England, where he took 14 wickets in five matches.  

Rohit praised the spinner’s performance, saying, *"I understand that it is in T20 format but, he has clearly got something different about him. So we wanted to have an option and see what we could do with him."*  

While Chakravarthy’s inclusion in the Champions Trophy squad is not confirmed, Rohit said he could be considered if he performs well in the series. "Right now, we're not thinking about whether we're going to take him (for Champions Trophy) or not but he definitely will be in contention if things plan out really well for us and he does what is required,"** he said. 

Another big boost for India is the return of experienced pacer Mohammed Shami. The fast bowler was the leading wicket-taker in the 2023 Cricket World Cup but has been recovering from injury. He played two matches in the recent T20I series against England, taking three wickets.  

Despite his relatively low returns in domestic cricket, Rohit backed Shami’s ability, saying, "He has been playing cricket for the past 10-12 years and has performed for the team. You look at the World Cup and how he bowled then."

He further defended the pacer, adding, "In domestic cricket, if a few games didn't pan out the way he would've thought, then that doesn't mean he isn't a good bowler. He has won us so many games, picked so many wickets, it is crucial to keep that in mind." 

The first ODI between India and England will take place in Nagpur on February 6. This series will be crucial for India as they finalize their squad and strategies ahead of the Champions Trophy.