Group India is dealing with a significant concern concerning the health of their tempo spearhead Jasprit Bumrah forward of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is about to be performed in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19 to March 9. The best-arm pacer has been battling a again problem that surfaced in the course of the fifth and closing Take a look at of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) towards Australia in Sydney final month. Regardless of his inclusion in India’s provisional squad for the Champions Trophy, his participation hinges on medical clearance.
BCCI racing towards time for a call
With the February 12 deadline approaching for finalizing the squad, the Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) is working towards the clock to evaluate Bumrah’s health and make a closing choice. The administration is intently monitoring his rehabilitation, as he stays a vital part of India’s tempo assault. His absence can be an enormous setback, contemplating his skill to ship underneath strain in marquee tournaments.
Bumrah performed all 5 Checks in India’s latest collection towards Australia, the place he showcased his brilliance by scalping 32 wickets. Nevertheless, his harm issues escalated when he didn’t bowl within the second innings of the ultimate Take a look at in Sydney as a result of a again spasm. After returning to India, he was suggested a five-week relaxation interval to recuperate from the pressure.
Final white-ball look and Champions Trophy hopes
Bumrah’s final ODI look got here within the 2023 World Cup closing towards Australia in Ahmedabad on November 19, the place he claimed two wickets. He was additionally a part of India’s T20 World Cup 2024 closing towards South Africa in Barbados on June 29, marking his most up-to-date white-ball outing.
Given his significance to the squad, the Indian staff administration can be hoping for a constructive health replace forward of the Champions Trophy, as his presence might considerably bolster their title aspirations. With Jasprit Bumrah’s availability unsure for the 2025 Champions Trophy, India might need to search for an efficient substitute who can ship with the ball underneath high-pressure conditions.
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3 potential replacements for Jasprit Bumrah in Champions Trophy 2025
1. Shardul Thakur – The all-round performer
Why he suits:
Shardul Thakur has been in distinctive kind within the ongoing Ranji Trophy, delivering match-winning performances with each bat and ball. Within the quarter-final towards Haryana, he produced a game-changing spell, selecting up six wickets within the second innings, serving to Mumbai acquire a stronghold within the match.
Present kind & impression:
- Within the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season, Thakur has been a standout performer with the ball, having taken 30 wickets in simply eight matches at a median of twenty-two+, together with three four-wicket hauls.
- His match-winning six-wicket haul towards Haryana was additionally his maiden five-wicket haul of the season.
- Aside from his bowling exploits, he has been a priceless contributor with the bat, scoring 396 runs in 9 innings at a median of 45+, together with one century and three fifties.
Worldwide expertise:
Thakur final performed a Take a look at match for India in 2023 however hasn’t been part of the nationwide squad since. Regardless of being match, he was not chosen for the white-ball collection towards England or the upcoming Champions Trophy. Whereas he went unsold within the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 public sale, his present Ranji Trophy kind suggests he could possibly be a robust contender for a global recall, particularly if India wants an all-rounder rather than Bumrah.
2. Harshit Rana – The younger tempo sensation
Why he suits:
Harshit Rana has had a dream begin to his worldwide profession, making his debut throughout Take a look at, T20I, and now ODI codecs in fast succession. His uncooked tempo and skill to extract bounce make him an thrilling choice to switch Bumrah.
Efficiency in ODIs towards England:
- Within the first ODI of the continuing collection, Rana impressed along with his tempo and aggression, selecting up three wickets in his debut match.
- He persistently bowled at 140 kmph, troubling England’s batters along with his tempo and variations.
- Regardless of getting hammered for 62 runs in 9 overs within the second ODI, he has proven promise and adaptableness, which might make him a long-term asset for India.
Why he’s a robust contender:
- Provided that Bumrah was rested and Rana was included within the squad as his substitute, it signifies that the staff administration already sees him as a viable backup choice.
- If India desires an out-and-out quick bowler with aggressive intent, Rana could possibly be the proper choose.
3. Prasidh Krishna – The Tall, deadly speedster
Why he suits:
Standing at 6 ft 2 inches, Prasidh Krishna brings additional bounce and tempo to his bowling, making him a possible match-winner in seaming circumstances.
Worldwide & home efficiency:
- He made headlines with a surprising six-wickets within the Sydney Take a look at towards Australia, proving his skill to hassle top-order batters.
- In ODIs, he has taken 29 wickets in 17 matches, however hasn’t been capable of set up himself as a everlasting member of the squad.
- His Checklist-A document is superb, with 120 wickets in 70 matches at a powerful bowling common.
Why he’s a robust contender:
- Krishna has the expertise of enjoying in high-pressure matches and could possibly be a helpful asset in circumstances that provide bounce and motion.
- If India is in search of a like-for-like tempo substitute for Bumrah, Krishna’s peak and skill to generate additional raise make him a compelling alternative.
Who ought to substitute Bumrah?
| Participant | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Shardul Thakur | Confirmed all-rounder, skilled, good in clutch conditions | Lacks categorical tempo, inconsistent in ODIs |
| Harshit Rana | Uncooked tempo, aggression, can bowl 140+ kmph persistently | Inexperienced on the worldwide degree |
| Prasidh Krishna | Additional bounce, tempo, high-impact bowler in seaming circumstances | Struggles with economic system in ODIs, harm issues |