Champions Trophy 2025: What Are India's Chances of Winning Without Jasprit Bumrah? Legends Give Verdict

Add as a preferred source on Google

India's campaign for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy could face a major setback if Jasprit Bumrah fails to recover in time for the tournament, set to begin on February 19.

Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri believes that Bumrah's absence could reduce India's chances of winning by as much as 30-35%, highlighting the pacer's crucial role in India's bowling attack.

Bumrah, who has been recovering from a back injury, was initially included in India's squad for the third ODI against England but has now been ruled out of the fixture. While his participation in the Champions Trophy remains uncertain, Shastri has cautioned against rushing him back into action.

Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri stated, "I think it's high risk. There's too much big cricket coming up for India." He further emphasized the immense expectations on Bumrah, noting that it would be unfair to assume he could instantly deliver world-class performances after a long injury layoff.

With Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh as the specialist pacers in India's Champions Trophy squad, the team management may have to rely on other options if the ace pacer doesn't recover in time. Shastri stressed that Bumrah's availability ensures India has control over the death overs, something that could be a decisive factor in high-pressure matches. "With a fully fit Bumrah playing, you are guaranteed of those death overs. It would've been a different ball game altogether," he added.

Ricky Ponting, former Australian captain, echoed similar concerns and pointed out the importance of Shami's fitness in Bumrah's potential absence. Shami himself has been on the road to recovery and recently played in two of the five T20Is against England. Ponting remarked, "My biggest concern about India was Bumrah not having Shami there as a backup and him having to burden most of the load. And that's probably what happened, and might even have something to do with why he got hurt."

India is set to begin its Champions Trophy 2025 journey against Bangladesh in Dubai, and the team management will be closely monitoring Bumrah's fitness leading up to the tournament. The fast bowler's absence would mean an increased workload on Shami and Arshdeep, while India might have to reconsider its bowling combinations.