India’s ICC Champions Trophy campaign has been dealt a major blow with the absence of premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. He isn’t just any other pacer but probably the greatest Indian white-ball bowler. The ace pacer suffered a back injury during the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney earlier this year, ruling him out of the marquee 50-over tournament, set to take place from February 19 to March 9. On February 11, the BCCI confirmed Bumrah’s unavailability, with Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy (in favour of Jaiswal) adding to the ICC Champions Trophy squad. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir is determined to move forward, focusing on the squad at hand rather than dwelling on the setback.
What did Gambhir say on Bumrah’s unavailability?
Bumrah’s injury opened the door for young pacer Harshit Rana, while left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh is also expected to step up. Gambhir emphasized that injuries are a part of the sport, and while Bumrah’s absence is huge, it is also an opportunity for others to shine. “If he’s injured, he’s injured; we can’t do much about it. Someone missing out on an opportunity could be a great opportunity for someone else as well; that is how sport goes,” said Gambhir after India’s dominant 3-0 whitewash of England in the ODI series.
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No Bumrah means quality chances to Shami, Harshit & Arshdeep
With Bumrah sidelined, the responsibility of leading India’s pace attack falls on the shoulders of the experienced Mohammed Shami, who recently made his comeback to the national side after a year-long hiatus. Shami’s presence provides stability, but the onus will also be on the young duo of Rana and Arshdeep to make an impact on the big stage.
Gambhir expressed confidence in his bowling unit, highlighting their recent performances. “Harshit has come along really well. Arsh (Arshdeep) was really good today as well. Obviously, you would always miss a bowler like Jasprit Bumrah, but it’s great to have someone like Mohammed Shami back,” he said. India will hope that the emerging fast bowlers rise to the occasion as they chase Champions Trophy glory.
India squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.
