Champions Trophy: Shastri predicts India's prospects amidst Bumrah's potential absence
What's the story
Former Indian cricketer and head coach Ravi Shastri has raised concerns about India's chances in the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy as a result of Jasprit Bumrah's injury.
He believes that without Bumrah, India's chances of winning could drop by as much as 30%.
"Bumrah not fit will reduce India's chances [of winning the Champions Trophy] by 30%, literally by 30-35%," Shastri told on the TheICC Review.
Here's more.
Injury details
Bumrah's injury and its implications on India's campaign
Bumrah had picked up an injury during the fifth and final Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy in January, following which he withdrew from bowling from Day 2 onwards.
Despite the injury, he was included in the ICC Champions Trophy squad under the watch of BCCI's medical staff at the National Cricket Academy.
However, chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced that Bumrah would miss the first two ODIs against England due to injury.
Caution advised
Shastri warns against rushing Bumrah's return
Shastri has warned India against rushing Bumrah's return for the Champions Trophy, calling it a 'high-risk' move.
"I think it's high risk. There's too much big cricket coming up for India," he said.
He further added, "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. It's never that easy when you come back from injury."
Past achievements
Bumrah's stellar performance in T20 World Cup 2024
Bumrah was crucial in India's T20 World Cup 2024 victory, finishing as the joint second-highest wicket-taker with 15 wickets in eight matches.
His remarkable economy rate of 4.17 and an average of 8.26 were instrumental in India's success.
Notably, Bumrah was also named Player of the Tournament, highlighting his pivotal role in the team's historic win.
Additionally, he was named the ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year and the ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year.
Shared concerns
Ponting shares Shastri's concerns over Bumrah's injury
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has echoed Shastri's concerns about Bumrah's injury and its potential impact on India's Champions Trophy campaign.
"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 said on The ICC Review.
Additionally, Ponting emphasized the importance of managing Bumrah's fitness given his value across all formats of cricket.
Potential replacement
Shami's return could be crucial for India
With Bumrah's availability in doubt, Ponting feels Mohammed Shami, who recently returned from an injury layoff, could be key to leading the pace attack.
Shastri also emphasized how Shami's fitness and endurance would be important in the upcoming ODIs against England.
"Shami's ability to stay fit and consistently bowl full spells will be vital for India's campaign," he said.
Meanwhile, Shami featured in the third and fourth T20Is against England, returning 3/25 in his latest outing.
Information
Bumrah is one shy of 150 ODI scalps
In 89 ODIs, Bumrah has bagged 149 wickets at an average of 23.55. His economy rate is 4.59. Bumrah last played in ODIs during the 2023 Cricket World Cup.