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While India have plenty of matchwinners in their ranks, Shikhar Dhawan feels they will feel the absence of Jasprit Bumrah during the Champions Trophy.
Jasprit Bumrah has a lower back injury. (AFP Photo)
Days before the start of Champions Trophy 2025, India were dealt a major injury blow when their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out from the tournament due to a lower back injury. Bumrah was player-of-the-tournament when India won the 2024 T20 World Cup and was their leading wicket-taker during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Bumrah’s consistency across formats and his accuracy makes him an invaluable asset. Time and again, the 31-year-old has proved to be their trump card whenever they’ve needed to break growing partnerships.
Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan thinks that the Rohit Sharma-led side will feel the absence of Bumrah.
“My concern is they are going to miss Jasprit Bumrah, there is no doubt he will be a big absence and I think they will feel it very strongly,” Dhawan told ICC.
“For me, he is the best bowler in the world, and his accuracy is hard to replicate. He is also a very calm character and that is crucial in a huge ICC event like this,” he added.
India have a rookie pacer in Harshit Rana for Bumrah’s replacement. The 23-year-old recently made his ODI and has six wickets from three matches so far.
Dhawan though feels that Rana can have a ‘breakout tournament’ and is impressed by the right-arm pacer’s attitude.
“At the same time, Harshit Rana has come into the side and I think that is really exciting – keep an eye on him, I think he could have a breakout tournament. I like his attitude, he is a go-getter and he is not afraid of anything. He accepts challenges and we have seen in the England series that he is in form. I am sure he will look to seize this opportunity and, if he does, he could provide a real x-factor for India,” Dhawan said.
While Bumrah’s absence does make a hug difference, Dhawan feels India still have a balanced side as far as batting goes.
“There are a lot of reasons to be optimistic for India. They have a very balanced side, especially with the bat – there is a nice blend of experience and youth. Shubman Gill, in particular, is so consistent and he has a big role to play. I think he will have a great tournament,” Dhawan said.
“Rohit Sharma has found form, Virat Kohli is there; they are a top side and will take some stopping,” he added.
For Dhawan, known for his ability to step up in ICC tournaments, India are the favourites.
“There is so much speculation and a lot of predictions, which is fun, and I can’t look past India. I am quite confident about them, they have a solid team and played very well against England in their recent ODI series,” he said.
