The BCCI discreetly dropped Jasprit Bumrah from the 16-man roster, meaning he will not be playing in India's forthcoming three-match ODI series against England. The tension around the India speedster's fitness increased after he suffered back spasms during the Sydney Test match against Australia. He was included in India's squad for the three ODIs and the Champions Trophy that followed, though, which gave everyone hope that he would recover quickly.

Ajit Agarkar, the chief selector, stated that the management anticipated he will be fit for the third and final ODI against England when the squad was revealed. Although the BCCI formally announced Varun Chakravarthy's inclusion in the team in a release on Tuesday night, Bumrah was left out.The board will provide an official update regarding Bumrah's injury or his absence from the squad for the ODIs against England.

Agarkar did not provide a definitive response to Bumrah's ailment during the Champions Trophy squad announcement earlier in January, but he did disclose that the bowler was instructed to "off-load for five weeks."

"Bumrah will not be available for the opening two ODIs against England and has been instructed to take five weeks off. We are awaiting his fitness, and the medical staff will update us on his condition in early February. Agarkar had stated, "I am sure the BCCI might just put anything out, from the physio itself, regarding what his medical situation is, and we will probably find out a bit more around that time."

With Bumrah out of the ODI squad, the pace attack is expected to be led by Mohammed Shami and Varun Chakraborty. The absence of India’s premier fast bowler, however, could impact the team’s bowling plans, especially in death overs, where his yorkers and variations have been game-changers.

India's squad for the ODI series against England: Rohit Sharma (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy.