By Karan Agrawal 
India’s fast bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has consulted a New Zealand-based surgeon after facing a back issue during the fifth and final Test of the recently concluded Border Gavaskar Trophy which India lost 3-1. Bumrah was unable to bowl after the first session on day two of the New Year’s Test and was rushed to hospital for scans as a result of which he was unable to take part in the rest of the match. However, he did come to bat during India’s second innings but wasn’t able to make any significant contribution.
Player’s Corner
Speaking to broadcaster after the Sydney Test Bumrah said “It’s a little frustrating, but sometimes you’ve got to respect your body, you can’t fight your body,” Bumrah told Isa Guha on the official broadcast after the game. “It’s a little disappointing in the end because I probably missed out on the spiciest wicket of the series, but that’s the way it is. Sometimes, you have to accept it and move forward.”
The Decision
According to a report in Hindustan Times Bumrah’s fitness will be a major talking point when the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee meets to select the squad for the Champions Trophy which is to be announced by January 12. If the report in Hindustan Times is to be believed Bumrah might find a place in the squad but the fast bowler will feature in the playing XI only if he is pain-free. “The surgeon is in touch with BCCI’s medical team and the selectors are expected to be informed,” read the report.
The Comeback
The only silver lining among all the chaos is the availability of Mohammed Shami. The fast bowler is expected to feature in India’s three-match ODI series at home against England with Siraj who is expected to share the new ball with him and Arshdeep completing the trio to make India’s fast bowling department.
The Combination
As far as the all-rounders are concerned India might go with Axar Patel and Washington Sundar as the two all-rounders given their recent performances because Jadeja’s returns in white ball cricket have also diminished since the ODI World Cup.