Bumrah Included in India’s Champions Trophy Squad; Karun Nair and Sanju Samson Left Out: Report

Star Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is set to be included in India’s 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with an official announcement scheduled for Saturday, January 18. According to a report by India Today, Bumrah, who has been dealing with a back issue, will be part of the squad, with the final decision dependent on his fitness. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar will reveal the squad in a press conference at Wankhede Stadium after the selection committee meeting.

Bumrah, currently recovering from a back injury, did not bowl in the second innings of the fifth India-Australia Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 6, 2025. The 31-year-old last played a 50-over match for India in the ODI World Cup final against Australia on November 19, 2023, at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Bumrah is also expected to be selected for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England.

As per sources, “selectors want Bumrah to play at least one competitive match before the Champions Trophy to assess his fitness and make a final decision.”

No Spot for Karun Nair

Despite his outstanding form, Karun Nair is not expected to be part of India’s ODI squad for the upcoming series or the Champions Trophy. The 33-year-old right-handed batter has scored 752 runs in eight matches of the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy for Vidarbha, averaging an impressive 752.00 with five centuries in just seven innings.

However, “selectors feel that it would be unwise to recall Nair, who last represented India in 2017, just before a major tournament.”

Nair, known for his triple century in Test cricket, last played a 50-over match for India in June 2016 against Zimbabwe.

Sanju Samson Left Out

Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who is part of India’s T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against England, is not expected to be considered for the ODI series or Champions Trophy. Reports suggest that Samson’s decision to skip the Vijay Hazare Trophy has caused displeasure among BCCI officials and selectors.