Ravi Shastri warned that India’s chances of winning the Champions Trophy could drop by 30% if Jasprit Bumrah is rushed back without fully recovering.
Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness remains a major concern for India ahead of the Champions Trophy. The pacer has been out since the final day of the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney last month. Although included in India’s squad for the England ODIs and the Champions Trophy, his availability depends on recovery. The BCCI’s quiet removal of Bumrah from the ODI series raises doubts about his fitness.
Former coach Ravi Shastri has urged India’s management to take a long-term view. In 2022, rushing Bumrah back for two T20Is against Australia worsened his injury, forcing a 10-month break. With major tournaments ahead, Shastri noted that India must avoid repeating that mistake.
“I think it’s high risk. There’s too much big cricket coming up for India. At this stage of his [Bumrah’s] career, I think he’s too precious to be just called on for one game out of the blue and asked to deliver. The expectations will be so much. They’ll think that he’ll come in straight away and set the world on fire. It’s never that easy when you come back from injury,” Shastri said on the ICC Review Show.
Ravi Shastri also noted that India’s chances of winning the Champions Trophy could drop by nearly 30-35% if Bumrah is unavailable.
“Bumrah not fit will reduce India’s chances [of winning the Champions Trophy] by 30 percent, literally by 30-35 percent,” Shastri said. With a fully fit Bumrah playing, you are guaranteed of those death overs. It would’ve been a different ball game altogether,” he added.
Bumrah also led the charts in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, finishing with 32 wickets. However, a back injury forced him out before the series’ final innings, cutting short his impressive run. His fitness will be closely monitored, with India hoping to have their premier fast bowler ready for the tournament.
Last Updated on February 4, 2025
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