Bumrah Excluded from T20 Series, Shami Returns as India Prepares for England Clash
In a significant development ahead of the T20 international series against England, Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will miss the matches due to ongoing health concerns related to back spasms sustained during the Test series against Australia. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not disclosed specifics about Bumrah’s injury or his expected return date, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy scheduled in Pakistan and Dubai.
Bumrah’s exclusion from the 15-man squad announced by the BCCI raises alarms for India, despite the recent success in the format. The 31-year-old has been a pivotal player, finishing as the highest wicket-taker during India’s tour of Australia last season before being sidelined in the Sydney Test.
On a more positive note, 34-year-old pace bowler Mohammad Shami has made a comeback to the national setup following a year-long absence due to an ankle injury and subsequent surgery. After missing all of India’s international matches in 2024, Shami has been closely monitored by medical staff since his return to domestic cricket in October.
The squad also marks the first appointment of Axar Patel as vice-captain, alongside captain Suryakumar Yadav. Key players returning to the T20 team include all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar, as well as pacer Harshit Rana. Notably absent is star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, whose absence continues as Sanju Samson takes on the opening role in his stead.
India’s T20 series against England kicks off on January 22 and will conclude on February 12, prior to a three-match ODI series leading into the Champions Trophy.
India Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammad Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper).
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