- Jasprit Bumrah’s injury could reduce India’s Champions Trophy winning chances by 30-35%, says Ricky Ponting.
- Mohammed Shami’s fitness and performance are now critical for India’s pace attack.
- Bumrah’s final participation depends on tests at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
Why Jasprit Bumrah’s Fitness Matters for India
Jasprit Bumrah is India’s most important fast bowler. He won ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year in 2024 and helped India win the T20 World Cup. His ability to bowl death overs (final overs) makes him irreplaceable. Without him, experts say India’s chances drop sharply.
Bumrah got hurt during the Sydney Test in January 2025. He has not played since and missed the ODI series against England. Fans worry because when Bumrah plays, India wins big tournaments. When he doesn’t, like in the 2021 and 2022 T20 World Cups, India struggles.
The BCCI medical team is checking his fitness at the NCA. Results will decide if he joins the Champions Trophy or is replaced by Harshit Rana.
Ricky Ponting and Ravi Shastri’s Warnings
Ricky Ponting, a two-time Champions Trophy winner, says India’s winning chances fall by 30-35% without Bumrah. He explains that Bumrah’s death-over skills are unmatched. Ravi Shastri, India’s former coach, calls rushing Bumrah back a “high risk” move.
Both experts agree Bumrah is “too precious” to risk for one tournament. India has a busy cricket schedule ahead, and his long-term fitness is more important. Shastri adds that expectations for Bumrah to perform instantly after injury are unrealistic.
Ponting also highlights that Bumrah’s injury happened because he had to bowl too much in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Mohammed Shami’s absence during that series added pressure.
Mohammed Shami: India’s New Hope
With Bumrah injured, Mohammed Shami becomes India’s key bowler. Shami returned to cricket in the England T20 series after a long injury break. His spell of 3/25 in the fourth T20I showed promise.
Shami last played an ODI in the 2023 World Cup Final, where he was the top wicket-taker. However, bowling 10 overs in ODIs is harder than 4 overs in T20s. His fitness in the England ODI series will decide his role in the Champions Trophy.
If Shami stays fit, he can lead India’s pace attack. But if both Shami and Bumrah miss the tournament, India’s chances will drop further.
India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule and Challenges
India’s first match is against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai. They will also face Pakistan on February 23, a high-pressure game. The UAE’s pitches favor fast bowlers early in the tournament, so India needs a strong pace team.
- Key Matches:
- vs Bangladesh (February 20)
- vs Pakistan (February 23)
- vs New Zealand (February 27)
The BCCI must finalize its squad by February 11. If Bumrah is unfit, Harshit Rana or Arshdeep Singh could replace him.
What Happens Next?
Bumrah’s tests at the NCA will end by February 5-6. The BCCI medical team will share results with selector Ajit Agarkar. Agarkar had earlier said Bumrah needed 5 weeks of rest after the Sydney Test.
Fans hope Bumrah recovers in time. He missed the 2017 Champions Trophy Final due to a no-ball error and wants redemption. However, experts urge caution to avoid long-term damage.
India’s ODI series against England (February 6-12) will test Shami’s fitness. His performance here could shape India’s Champions Trophy strategy.
Check out the Champions Trophy Schedule, Champions Trophy Live Score, Champions Trophy Squads , Champions Trophy Stats Champions Trophy Tour, Champions Trophy Venues & Champions Trophy Latest News here!
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND
