New Delhi, Feb 4: Former cricketers Ricky Ponting and Ravi Shastri have expressed concerns over India’s Champions Trophy campaign, citing the uncertainty surrounding Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness as a major setback. Both believe that the absence of India’s premier fast bowler could significantly dent the team’s chances in the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
Bumrah, who enjoyed a stellar 2024 season, was recently honoured with the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year at the ICC Awards. His contributions were instrumental in India’s triumph at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. However, the 31-year-old has been sidelined since January after suffering back spasms during the Sydney Test against Australia.
Although named in India’s provisional squad for the Champions Trophy, concerns persist over his readiness. Notably, Bumrah has been omitted from the three-match ODI series against England, which begins on Thursday.
Speaking on The ICC Review, former India head coach Ravi Shastri cautioned against rushing Bumrah’s return, emphasizing the risks involved.
“I think it’s high risk. There’s too much big cricket coming up for India,” Shastri told Sanjana Ganesan. “At this stage of his career, he’s too precious to be called in for a single game and expected to deliver immediately. The expectations will be immense, but it’s never easy coming back from injury.”
Shastri further underlined the impact of Bumrah’s potential absence, estimating that it could reduce India’s chances of winning the Champions Trophy by 30-35%.
“With a fully fit Bumrah, India would have a reliable option in the death overs. His absence would change the dynamics entirely,” he added.
Ponting echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the role of Mohammed Shami, who recently made his comeback in the ongoing white-ball series against England. Shami’s return marked his first appearance for India since the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final in November 2023.
“My biggest concern when India toured Australia for the Test series was that Bumrah didn’t have Shami as a backup, which meant he had to shoulder most of the workload,” Ponting said on The ICC Review. “That could have played a part in his injury—he may have had to bowl more in that series without Shami’s support.”
Shami, who picked up 3/25 in the fourth T20I against England, is expected to be closely monitored in the upcoming ODI series.
“It’ll be interesting to see how India manages his workload,” Shastri remarked. “Will he play all three ODIs, or will they ease him into the Champions Trophy? Bowling 10 overs is a different challenge compared to four, and his fielding will also be under scrutiny.” (Agencies)
