Champions Trophy 2025: Jasprit Bumrah Absence Not A 'Major' Issue For India, BCCI Secretary Backs 'Best Team' To Win Title

As the anticipation builds for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the cricketing world gears up to witness an intense battle among the top eight teams. The Rohit Sharma-led Indian team is among the favorites to claim the prestigious title, aiming to replicate their triumphant campaign from 2013.

However, India's campaign will be without the services of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who has been ruled out due to a recurring back injury. His absence is a significant blow to the squad, given his ability to deliver in crucial moments.

Yet, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains confident in the team's depth and overall balance.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia expressed his optimism regarding India's chances despite Bumrah's unavailability. "We have picked the best team for the Champions Trophy. And I believe we will win the trophy. India have such a big bench strength, and I don't think it (Jasprit Bumrah's absence) will have any major issue with the team combination," he told IANS.

India's batting unit, led by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, has also been a topic of discussion leading into the tournament. Both senior batters have faced scrutiny for their form, but their recent performances in England have reignited hopes among Indian fans. Rohit's century and Kohli's half-century in the series provided glimpses of their class and resilience.

Saikia highlighted the team's strong morale heading into the Champions Trophy. "Everything is very positive in the team (Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back in form); see the England series; the results are in front of you. The conditions will be more or less the same in Dubai, like the Indian conditions. India came out in such a good manner (against England) with a series whitewash in ODIs and a 4-1 win in T20Is. The morale and spirit of the team is at the highest level," he added.

With the tournament set to take place in Dubai, conditions could favor the Men in Blue, offering an edge to their balanced squad. As the competition draws closer, Indian fans eagerly await their team's performance on the grand stage, hoping for a second Champions Trophy title under Rohit Sharma's leadership.