MUMBAI, India — Injured fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and spinner Kuldeep Yadav have been named in India’s provisional 15-member squad for next month’s Champions Trophy, signaling their return to international cricket after recovering from injuries.
Bumrah, who has been sidelined with a back injury, is set to make his comeback in the prestigious 50-over tournament. The 29-year-old had been forced to miss the final test of India’s recent series against Australia due to back spasms, but he has now been cleared to rejoin the squad. His inclusion is a significant boost for India, as Bumrah has been one of their most reliable bowlers across formats in recent years.
Kuldeep Yadav, who had been sidelined since October due to a groin issue, has also been included in the squad, alongside wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. Pant, who was dropped from India’s T20 squad for the series against England earlier this month, has been recalled for the Champions Trophy, much to the delight of fans and team management alike.
The squad, announced on Saturday by chief selector Ajit Agarkar and captain Rohit Sharma, also sees the return of fast bowler Mohammed Shami. Shami, who underwent ankle surgery and missed over a year of cricket, has been included for his experience and ability to contribute in key matches. Agarkar emphasized Shami’s quality, particularly noting the decision to include him in the T20 series against England as a way to get him match-ready for the Champions Trophy.
The squad also features exciting young talent, with Yashasvi Jaiswal earning his maiden call-up for One-Day Internationals (ODIs). The 22-year-old, who has already represented India in Test and T20 formats, is expected to make his ODI debut in the tournament.
India, placed in Group A, will begin their Champions Trophy campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh, with the team aiming to reclaim the prestigious title they last won in 2013. India’s Provisional Champions Trophy Squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.
As the countdown to the Champions Trophy begins, India’s fans will be eager to see their key players return to form and lead the team in their pursuit of another global title.