Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has revealed they are uncertain regarding Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness ahead of the opening ODI against England. Rohit said they are still awaiting scans on Bumrah’s injury from the medical team and they will take a call on his availability after his reports come out.
Earlier in January, Bumrah suffered a back injury in the fifth Test match against Australia at Sydney and could not bowl in the second innings. The gun fast bowler had bagged 32 wickets in five Test matches against Australia and thus had bagged the Player of the Series award.
Bumrah is once again going to hold the key for India in the Champions Trophy and his full fitness is crucial for the team.
Rohit Sharma said in press conference on Wednesday, “We are waiting for some updates on his scan, which are due to happen over the next few days. Once we get that scan report, we will have more clarity in terms of where he stands right now, and if he will be available for the last ODI.”
On the other hand, Varun Chakravarthy was added to India’s ODI squad for the three-match series against England. Chakravarthy bagged 14 wickets in five T20Is against the Three Lions and thus was given a chance by the selectors. Rohit revealed the mystery spinner will be in contention to get a place in the final XI.
“Yeah look, he has certainly shown something different. I understand that it is a T20 format but he has clearly got something different about him. So we just wanted to have an option and see what we can do with him. Clearly during the series it presents us an opportunity to play him at some stage and see what he is capable of. Right now we are not thinking about whether we are going to take him or not but definitely he will be in contention,” said Rohit.
The first ODI between India and England will be played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur on Thursday.
