BCCI takes a U-turn: Jasprit Bumrah pulls out of ODI series vs SL at last moment

After winning the three-match T20I series, both India and Sri Lanka will lock horns in three ODIs, starting on Tuesday, January 10 in Guwahati. Both teams are preparing for the series, but just ahead of the first ODI, the Indian Board took a big u-turn regarding ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah.

Notably, Bumrah, who was added by the BCCI to the ODI squad earlier, has now withdrawn from the ODI series, which will start tomorrow, which means he will not feature in the ODIs. Notably, Bumrah, who has been consistently suffering from injuries, has been out of the action for almost four months now.

He played the last game for India when Australia came for three T20Is ahead of the T20 World Cup in September 2022. According to a media report from Cricbuzz, the selection committee doesn't want to rush his case.

Bumrah hasn't reached Guwahati with the Indian team as per the schedule. It means that he will not play in the upcoming ODI series. However, the pacer has been cleared for play by the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and has also completed his rehab. That's why he was added to the ODI series against Sri Lanka.

On January 3, the BCCI released a statement that, "The All-India Senior Selection Committee has included pacer Jasprit Bumrah in India’s ODI squad for the upcoming Mastercard 3-match ODI series against Sri Lanka."

The selection committee has taken this decision, looking at the all-important Border-Gavaskar Trophy coming in a month's time. India will host Australia for a four-match test series starting in February, which is very important for Rohit Sharma and his team.

If India loses that series, they will not be able to qualify for the World Test Championship final, which will be played in England later this year. However, it is yet to be decided whether Bumrah will play in ODIs or not, as the final call will be taken by the Indian management.