Ex-India Pacer Advices This Bowler's Name For Champions Trophy 2025 In Jasprit Bumrah’s Absence

Even though India enjoyed a comfortable clean sweep victory against England at home in the three-match ODI series, they won’t have an easy time in the upcoming ninth edition of the Champions Trophy 2025.

The Rohit Sharma-led will begin their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, before they lock horns with Pakistan in the mouth-watering clash two days later. Their final group-stage fixture of the event will be against Bangladesh on March 02 at the Rawalpindi Stadium.

India concerned with Jasprit Bumrah’s absence in the Champions Trophy

Burmah went through the entire five-match Test series in Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 down under with full rhythm and pace. However, the additional overs put pressure on his back, as he left the field during the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

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The BCCI selectors kept Bumrah in the provisional squad before the Ahmedabad-born failed to regain full fitness. Mohammed Shami is making a comeback into the national side after more than a year, and it won’t be easy for him to shoulder the pace bowling department.

The Bengal pacer was the leading wicket-taker for the blue brigade in the 2023 ODI World Cup, with 24 scalps in seven innings at an average of just under 11 and a strike rate of 12.20, thanks to an economy of 5.26.

Lakshmipathy Balaji praises this pacer to replace Jasprit Bumrah in Champions Trophy 2025

The former Indian pacer, Lakshmipathy Balaji, believes that Shami could ensure that India won’t be missing the Gujarat pacer during the Champions Trophy. He made a bold statement on Shami for carrying enough experience with him.

“He (Shami) had out-bowled Bumrah in the 2019 (50-over World Cup) and in the last World Cup (2023). Bumrah is the champion bowler across formats. But Shami has experience, and before Bumrah's arrival, it was Shami who carried India's attack all through.” Balaji expressed this during a recent interaction on PTI.

Bumrah was the fourth leading run-getter of the 2023 ODI World Cup with 20 scalps in 11 innings at an average of below 19 and a strike rate of 27.65. His last ODI came during the final of the event against Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

He also reckoned that Shami’s performance could hold the key in the upcoming eight-team tournament.

“I think it's very important. If India has to do well, then Shami has to come good with the new ball. The kind of impact he can make in his first six overs with the new ball, it will play a crucial role for India.” The former Tamil Nadu spinner addressed.

CSK coach is confident of Mohammed Shami overcoming the injury

The biggest worry for the pacer is the recent injury, which made him look a bit rusty during the recent two T20Is and ODIs at home against England, as well as the domestic games.

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The former Tamil Nadu pacer has displayed his confidence in Shami overcoming the issue and getting back to his best in the upcoming Champions Trophy.

“Since that (ankle) injury has happened, there was a little bit of slowness, maybe. It's natural. But there is nothing you can do about it. It's part of any sportsperson's career. He has the experience to get over it, and he will do it as he bowls more. It's just about accepting the (physical) condition and continuing his best practices.” Balaji concluded.

Along with Shami, Rohit will have the option of pace bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya, while one of Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh will feature in the pace department.