Former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Aakash Chopra has expressed significant concern over reports suggesting that ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah may miss the group stage of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Chopra emphasized that Bumrah’s unavailability would be a substantial setback for the Indian team, given his irreplaceable role in the bowling lineup.
Bumrah’s Reported Unavailability
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to commence on February 19, with matches slated in Pakistan and Dubai. Reports indicate that Bumrah is likely to miss India’s Group A fixtures against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand due to back swelling, a condition that emerged during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The National Cricket Academy (NCA) is currently overseeing his recovery process.
Aakash Chopra’s Analysis
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra articulated the implications of Bumrah’s potential absence:
“It is being said that Jasprit Bumrah won’t be available for the first half of the Champions Trophy, which means he won’t be available for the matches against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Pakistan, and that is a massive blow.”
Chopra highlighted the challenges in replacing a bowler of Bumrah’s caliber, noting that his unique skill set makes him indispensable:
“Firstly, no one can replace Jasprit Bumrah. You will need two bowlers to replace one bowler, which is not possible.”
He further elaborated on the conditions expected during the tournament, emphasizing the need for a potent fast-bowling attack:
“When you talk about the February month in Dubai, the ball is going to swing. There will be slight help for the bowlers on those pitches. We might not see high-scoring 350-run matches as the pitches won’t be like that. So when you have to play a different template of cricket, you need firepower in fast bowling, and if you remove the biggest Brahmastra from that firepower, the quiver will seem empty, and he will be missed a lot.”
Implications for Team India
Bumrah’s absence could compel the Indian selectors and team management to reassess their bowling strategy for the group stage. Potential replacements might include bowlers like Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar, or Harshit Rana. However, as Chopra pointed out, finding a bowler who can match Bumrah’s impact is a formidable challenge:
“There can be many but no one can be like Bumrah.”
Looking Ahead
Chopra expressed hope that Bumrah would recover in time to participate in the latter stages of the tournament, should India advance:
“He might be available in the second half but India have to reach the second half. Bumrah will only be of help if you reach the semi-final. Now I am keeping my fingers crossed. I am just hoping for Indian cricket. I really want Bumrah to be available and fit, and rearing to go.”