Why Jasprit Bumrah Misses England ODI Series?

India has announced its squad for the ICC Champions Trophy and the upcoming ODI series against England. In the squad for the Champions Trophy, Jasprit Bumrah's inclusion depends on his fitness, with the final match of the ODI series against England on February 12 being a crucial fitness test for him.

Almost all the players selected for the Champions Trophy are also part of the squad for the ODI series against England. However, due to uncertainty regarding Bumrah's fitness, Harshit Rana has been included as an additional pacer in the squad for the England series.

This means Rana is not part of the Champions Trophy squad; he is only included as a backup for Bumrah in the England series. Bumrah is less likely to play in the first two matches of the series against England. If he passes his fitness test, he could play in the third and final ODI.

Bumrah will need to pass a fitness test to secure his place in the Champions Trophy. If he clears it in the final ODI, the Indian team management will be at ease. If he doesn't pass, then either Mohammad Siraj or Harshit Rana could be called up to the Champions Trophy squad.

During the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Bumrah had to leave the series and go to the hospital. With the Champions Trophy starting next month, Bumrah is seen as crucial for India's chances. Therefore, the team management is unwilling to take any risks with Bumrah's fitness and aims to ensure he is fully fit before the tournament.