Aaqib Javed dismisses Jasprit Bumrah's threat ahead of Champions Trophy
What's the story
Pakistan's interim head coach, Aaqib Javed, has downplayed concerns about the threat posed by Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah ahead of their ICC Champions Trophy clash.
Javed's remarks come amid uncertainty surrounding Bumrah's fitness following a back spasm injury.
Meanwhile, the eight-team ICC tournament kicks off on February 19, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match in Karachi.
Coach's perspective
Javed's stance on Bumrah's potential presence
However, Javed has shown little concern over Bumrah's possible inclusion in India's squad for the February 23 match.
"They should be worried about Bumrah's fitness... If any team has a bowler like Bumrah, it is a plus point. But it is not like we will plan everything around him," he told reporters.
This means Pakistan won't change their plans just for one player.
Fitness uncertainty
India awaits Bumrah's fitness update
India's captain Rohit Sharma said the team is awaiting scan results to know Bumrah's fitness status.
"Jasprit, obviously, we're waiting on some update about his scan, which is due to happen in the next few days," Rohit said in a pre-match press conference ahead of the first ODI against England.
The decision on Bumrah's participation in the final ODI against England will be taken after looking at his scan results.
Career highlight
Bumrah's recognition as ICC Cricketer of the Year
Bumrah's stellar performance in 2024 earned him the ICC Cricketer of the Year and Test Cricketer of the Year honors.
Despite his injury at the moment, his contributions to Indian cricket have been immense, across all three formats.
The fast bowler has been India's spearhead and his potential absence from the Champions Trophy could affect the team dynamics.
2024
Bumrah's 2024 season at a glance
Bumrah had a stellar 2024 season spearheading India's bowling attack in Tests and T20Is.
In Tests, the pacer finished as the highest wicket-taker in 2024, with 71 scalps (13 matches).
He also boasts an average of 14.92, alongside four four-wicket hauls and five five-wicket hauls.
Meanwhile, he also played a crucial role in India's T20 World Cup triumph and was named the Player of the Tournament.
He bagged 15 wickets (AVG: 8.26) with an impressive economy of 4.17 (eight matches).
ODI numbers
A look at the pacer's ODI stats
In 89 ODIs, Bumrah has bagged 149 wickets at an average of 23.55. His economy rate is 4.59. He also owns six four-wicket hauls and two five-wicket hauls.
Notably, Bumrah last played an ODI match during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
However, in the World Cup, Bumrah finished with 20 scalps across 11 matches at an average of 18.65 and an economy rate of 4.06.
He was also the joint-fourth-highest wicket-taker.