32 wickets in 5 IND vs AUS Tests, and an injury in the last Test at Sydney. There are definite questions over Jasprit Bumrah‘s availability for the Champions Trophy, and things would only become clear, when the squad is announced closer to Jan 12. There are reports suggesting, depending on his fitness, Bumrah will be a part of the squad.
Say No to Jasprit Bumrah in Champions Trophy
But honestly, the 31-year-old pacer, who is the best bowler in the world, should be preserved for the IND vs ENG away Tests, scheduled to take place in from June to August 2025, and should not be wasted in the Champions Trophy 2025. The five-Test series would be a crucial one for India, as they have lost their last two — 0-3 at home vs New Zealand, and 1-3 vs Australia, Down Under. Also, since the team has not won in England since 2007.
The 2021 series, India came tantalisingly close, which closed at 2-2, but the stakes are even higher now. And Jasprit Bumrah would once again be the main bowler in the Indian line up. In England, in 9 matches he has picked 37 wickets at an average of 26, including two fifers.
Bumrah too Good in Tests
Coming to — why he shouldn’t be part of the CT 2025 — India has decent white-ball bowlers who can deliver in his absence. Moreover, the matches there would take an extra toll on his body, given the fragility of his body, due to his bowling action. Not that Bumrah isn’t the same force in the ODIs, but then he is just too special in Tests, to be withered out in the former.
In 2024 alone, in the 13 Tests he played, he went to grab 71 wickets, at an average of only 14, where his strike-rate was only 30. On the other hand, if India goes for pacers like Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami – if fit, can do the job. Even someone like Arzan Nagwaswalla can be considered, who in 7 Vijay Hazare Trophy matches, has picked up 14 wickets.
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Not to forget, there would also be all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who did decently with the bat and the ball, who could be considered for selection in the Champions Trophy. In short, if Jasprit Bumrah can be avoided for the tournament, that would hold his body in good stead for the tougher challenges ahead and would be able to sustain the rigours of international cricket for a longer duration. Soon enough, the Test captaincy could be upon him, and the foremost condition for that could be — he stays fit.
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