India’s chances to win Champions Trophy 2025 are reduced by 30% because…

India’s chances to win Champions Trophy 2025 are reduced by 30% because…

India’s chances to win Champions Trophy 2025 may face a crisis that could redefine their campaign. The biggest concern: the fitness of their pace spearhead and ICC 2024 Men’s Cricketer of the Year Jasprit Bumrah. Uncertainty about his return has cricketing greats Ricky Ponting and Ravi Shastri warning that the chances of India lifting the coveted title may shrink significantly if he does not make it in time.

The Game-Changer? Bumrah’s absence

There was no one to match Bumrah in 2024. His heroics during India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign, and his overall resurgence across formats, had made him one of the world’s best bowlers. A back spasm he picked up during the Sydney Test against Australia in January may yet cast a doubt over his participation in the Champions Trophy. While he has been named in India’s provisional squad, his absence from the soon-approaching ODI series against England has raised some doubts on his readiness.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has strongly advised against rushing Bumrah back, emphasizing the risks involved. “It’s too much of a gamble. India has a packed international schedule, and risking your main fast bowler for a single tournament could backfire,” Shastri stated on The ICC Review. He believes that forcing Bumrah into high-pressure games without adequate preparation could do more harm than good.

Ponting and Shastri Weigh In as India’s Chances to Win Champions Trophy Drop Down

Ponting said:

“This could be an issue. Bumrah’s workload in the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy may have something to do with this. “The absence of Mohammed Shami might have given him more pressure and responsibility for which he’s been playing so far.”

Shastri added further, talking big about the chances of winning for India:

“Without Bumrah, India’s chances drop by at least 30-35%. He’s that important, especially in crunch moments.”

Shami Return: The Silver Lining?

With Bumrah’s availability not confirmed, the other pace ace, Mohammed Shami, is likely to come in from injury. His performance in the limited-overs games against England in the last couple of matches has been encouraging but his 50-over game still remains a huge question mark.

Shastri believes Shami’s fitness will be scrutinized in the England ODIs.

“Bowling four overs in a T20 is one thing, but sending down 10 in an ODI is a different challenge altogether.”

India starts their Champions Trophy against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai. The conditions are expected to favor the fast bowlers, and India can now hope to field their complete pace attack with both Bumrah and Shami in action. However, if Bumrah isn’t available, things just got a lot tougher for India to reach the trophy.

Also, see: No Saim Ayub as Pakistan announces 15-member squad for Champions Trophy 2025




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