India’s Champions Trophy chances may drop 30% without Bumrah. Shastri warns against rushing him back.
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Introduction: The Bumrah Factor in India’s Champions Trophy Hopes
As the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, cricket fans and experts alike are analyzing India’s chances of securing the coveted title. One key concern has emerged as a potential game-changer—the fitness of India’s ace fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah.
Bumrah, who played a pivotal role in India’s cricketing success in 2024, was recently honored with the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year awards. His performances across all formats, including a key role in India’s T20 World Cup victory, have solidified his status as one of the world’s premier bowlers. However, an injury sustained during the Sydney Test against Australia in January has put his availability for the Champions Trophy in doubt.
With Bumrah’s participation in the upcoming three-match ODI series against England ruled out, concerns regarding his fitness have intensified. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri and Australian legend Ricky Ponting have both issued serious warnings about the risks of rushing Bumrah back and the significant blow India could face if he is unable to play.

Why Ravi Shastri Believes Rushing Bumrah Is a “High-Risk” Move
Shastri’s Cautionary Advice on The ICC Review
Speaking to Sanjana Ganesan on The ICC Review, Ravi Shastri made a strong case for prioritizing Bumrah’s long-term fitness over short-term gains. He emphasized the immense risk of bringing him back into the squad prematurely, stating that India has a packed international calendar ahead.
“I think it’s high risk. There’s too much big cricket coming up for India,” Shastri warned.
At this stage of Bumrah’s career, Shastri believes he is too valuable to be rushed back for a single tournament. He pointed out that after an injury, expectations can be unrealistically high, and it is never easy for a player to immediately return to peak form.
“They’ll think he’ll come in straight away and set the world on fire. But it’s never that easy when you come back from an injury.”

How Bumrah’s Absence Could Impact India’s Champions Trophy Campaign
30-35% Drop in Winning Chances Without Bumrah
Shastri made a bold prediction, claiming that India’s chances of winning the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 would be significantly reduced if Bumrah is unavailable.
“Bumrah not fit will reduce India’s chances of winning the Champions Trophy by 30%, literally by 30-35%.”
India’s success in limited-overs cricket has often depended on their ability to bowl effectively in the powerplay and at the death. Bumrah’s pinpoint accuracy, ability to bowl yorkers under pressure, and versatility across different phases of the innings make him an irreplaceable asset.
“With a fully fit Bumrah playing, you are guaranteed those death overs. It would’ve been a completely different ball game altogether.”
His absence would leave India vulnerable, especially against strong batting line-ups in crucial knockout matches.
Ricky Ponting’s Perspective: Bumrah’s Workload and Injury Concerns
Did the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Overburden Bumrah?
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting also voiced his concerns, pointing out that Bumrah’s injury may have been exacerbated by his heavy workload in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
“My biggest concern about India when they came for Australia in the Test series was Bumrah not having Shami there as a backup and him having to burden most of the load.”
Ponting suggested that the absence of Mohammed Shami during the series forced Bumrah to take on an increased workload, which might have contributed to his current fitness issues.
“That’s probably what happened, and might even have something to do with why he got hurt. He probably ended up having to bowl a bit more in that series with Shami not being there.”

Mohammed Shami: India’s Best Alternative If Bumrah Misses Out?
Shami’s Return Brings Hope for India’s Bowling Attack
With Bumrah’s availability uncertain, Mohammed Shami’s return from injury has given India a crucial backup option. Shami recently showcased his ability in the T20I series against England, including a standout performance with figures of 3/25 in the fourth match.
Ponting believes that while Shami’s presence is a positive, India must carefully assess whether he can handle the demands of 50-over cricket, where bowlers must deliver full 10-over spells.
Shastri on Shami’s Role in the ODI Series Against England
Shastri stated that the upcoming three-match ODI series against England will be vital in determining Shami’s fitness and endurance.
“It will be interesting to see if India plays him in all three ODIs, or they give him the first and the third one, easing him into the Champions Trophy.”
“He’ll be watched very closely because 10 overs is totally different from four overs, and then you’re going to see how he pulls up in the field after bowling those 10 overs.”
Shami’s Strong ODI Record: A Key Factor for India
Shami last played an ODI in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final against Australia, where he finished as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker. His ability to bowl full spells at high intensity will be crucial for India, especially if Bumrah is unavailable.

India’s Champions Trophy 2025 Campaign: Can They Overcome Bumrah’s Uncertainty?
India’s First Match: February 20 vs. Bangladesh in Dubai
India will kick off their ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai. The early tournament conditions are expected to favor fast bowlers, making a fully fit attack featuring both Bumrah and Shami a major advantage.
However, if Bumrah fails to recover in time, India will need to rely on a combination of Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and emerging pacers to lead the bowling attack. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether India can enter the tournament at full strength or will have to make do without their most lethal fast bowler.
Conclusion: Should India Risk Playing Bumrah or Prioritize His Long-Term Fitness?
With the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 fast approaching, all eyes remain on Jasprit Bumrah’s recovery and whether he will be ready in time. Ravi Shastri’s warning serves as a stark reminder that while a fully fit Bumrah could make India favorites, a rushed return could be disastrous.
The Indian team management must make a tough decision—gamble on Bumrah’s availability for a single tournament or prioritize his long-term fitness to ensure he remains an asset for years to come.
For now, India’s Champions Trophy-winning chances hang in the balance, with the fitness of their pace spearhead being the defining factor in their campaign.
FAQs
What is Ravi Shastri’s warning about Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness for the Champions Trophy 2025?
Ravi Shastri warns that India’s chances of winning the Champions Trophy could drop by 30-35% if Bumrah is not fully fit and misses the tournament.
Why is Jasprit Bumrah’s injury a concern for India in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy?
Bumrah has been dealing with a fitness issue since January, and his absence could significantly affect India’s bowling attack, especially in the death overs.
How does Bumrah’s absence affect India’s chances in limited-overs cricket?
Bumrah’s absence weakens India’s bowling, particularly in the crucial death overs, where his accuracy and yorkers have been invaluable.
What role did Bumrah play in India’s cricketing successes in 2024?
Bumrah played a key role in India’s victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup and was named ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year.
What does Ravi Shastri think about rushing Bumrah back into action too soon?
Shastri believes rushing Bumrah back could be high-risk, as expectations may be unrealistic, and it’s difficult to return to peak form after an injury.
How does Ricky Ponting think Bumrah’s injury might have been exacerbated?
Ponting suggests that Bumrah’s injury may have worsened due to his heavy workload during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, particularly in the absence of Mohammed Shami as a backup.
Can Mohammed Shami replace Bumrah if he is unavailable for the Champions Trophy?
While Shami is a strong alternative, India will need to assess his fitness and ability to bowl 10-over spells in the 50-over format.
How important is Shami’s fitness for India’s Champions Trophy chances?
Shami’s fitness is crucial, as he could play a key role in India’s bowling attack, especially in Bumrah’s absence. His recent performances suggest he’s in good form.
When does India play its first match in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025?
India’s first match in the Champions Trophy 2025 will be on February 20, 2025, against Bangladesh in Dubai.
What will be the impact if Bumrah is unavailable for India in the Champions Trophy?
India will likely need to rely on Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and emerging pacers, which could put extra pressure on the bowling attack, especially against strong opposition.
What is Ravi Shastri coaching record with the Indian team?
Under Ravi Shastri coaching, India achieved significant success, including winning the 2018 Asia Cup, the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, and reaching the final of the 2021 ICC World Test Championship.
What are some key achievements of Ravi Shastri as a cricketer?
Ravi Shastri was known for his versatility as both a batsman and a bowler. He is remembered for his memorable 200* against New Zealand in 1990 and his all-round performances in the 1985 World Championship of Cricket.
When did Ravi Shastri become the head coach of the Indian cricket team?
Ravi Shastri became the head coach of India in 2017 after the contract of his predecessor, Anil Kumble, ended. He served in this role until 2021.
By watchnewz