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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin in February, is just around the corner, and India are yet to announce their squad. The delay has led to widespread speculation among fans and experts, particularly about the fitness of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Notably, Bumrah faced difficulties in the last Test of India’s recent tour of Australia where he didn’t bowl enough and was further rested for the upcoming T20I leg against England as well.
The delay in the squad announcement is being interpreted by some as a strategic move by the selectors, possibly to assess Bumrah’s fitness levels further before making a final decision. However, this uncertainty has only heightened the anticipation and concerns surrounding India’s campaign in the tournament. Some reports have even suggested that the star pacer might miss the initial games in Dubai.
Jasprit Bumrah’s absence: A major blow for India’s chances
Bumrah’s importance to India’s bowling unit cannot be overstated. With his deadly yorkers, pinpoint accuracy, and ability to bowl under pressure, Bumrah is regarded as one of the finest pacers in world cricket. His absence would not only create a void in India’s bowling attack but also disrupt the team’s balance.
Meanwhile, former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth has underscored the magnitude of Bumrah’s potential unavailability, reckoning that without the Ahmedabad-born cricketer, India don’t look like a better side.
“It is bad news for Jasprit Bumrah himself. He has carried the team’s bowling on his shoulders for years. If Bumrah isn’t there, we are as good as gone. Without him, our bowling lacks the X-factor,” said Srikkanth on his YouTube channel.
Also READ: Jasprit Bumrah responds to claims of ‘advised bed rest at home’ over Champions Trophy participation
Kris Srikkanth advocates for Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s inclusion
To address the potential gap left by Bumrah, Srikkanth has proposed the inclusion of veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the squad. The former selector and captain observed that Bhuvneshwar’s experience and skill set make him an ideal candidate to bolster the team’s pace attack.
“Bhuvneshwar Kumar should be in India’s ODI squad for the Champions Trophy. He’s very experienced,” Srikkanth stated, emphasizing that Bhuvneshwar has been performing well in domestic cricket and still has plenty to offer in the international arena.
Srikkanth highlighted Bhuvneshwar’s potential value to the Indian team by comparing his situation to that of Karun Nair, emphasizing that if Nair could make a return, there’s no reason why Bhuvneshwar shouldn’t. He pointed out that Bhuvneshwar’s experience and skill make him a reliable option who can deliver under pressure in crucial moments.
“If you can bring back someone like Karun Nair, then why not Bhuvi? He has been playing domestic cricket and is bowling brilliantly. In the T20 World Cup 2022, barring the semi-final, he was quite good. You can bring him into the setup, and he’ll deliver when it matters,” added Srikkanth.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar: A wealth of experience to bank on
Notably, Bhuvneshwar, once a mainstay in India’s bowling lineup, is renowned for his ability to swing the ball both ways and maintain tight lines. While he last played an ODI in 2022 and hasn’t featured in List-A cricket for two years, his past performances in ICC events highlight his knack for thriving under pressure.
During the T20 World Cup 2022, Bhuvneshwar was one of India’s most economical bowlers, consistently keeping opposition batters in check during the powerplay overs. His ability to control the game in crucial moments could be an invaluable asset, especially in conditions where swing and seam play a vital role.
Furthermore, Bhuvneshwar’s wealth of experience could benefit India’s younger bowlers, providing them with guidance and support in crunch situations. His presence would not only strengthen the bowling attack but also bring a sense of calm and reliability to the team.
