ICC Champions Trophy: Fitness concerns loom over India's pace attack
What's the story
As the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy draws closer, Team India is dealing with fitness issues among its pacers.
The uncertainty over Jasprit Bumrah's return and Mohammed Shami's hot-and-cold performances have raised eyebrows.
Meanwhile, former cricketer Aakash Chopra, now a cricket analyst, has suggested that an additional pacer may be included in the squad owing to these uncertainties.
He also spoke about Bumrah's injury on his YouTube channel and stated, "I am not hearing great news about Bumrah's fitness."
Here's more.
Fitness woes
Bumrah's injury and Shami's inconsistent form raise concerns
Bumrah injured his back during the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, after which he was advised a five-week rest according to chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
Meanwhile, former India coach Ravi Shastri cautioned against rushing Bumrah back for the ICC Champions Trophy if he isn't fully fit.
Additionally, Shami's form since his return has been inconsistent, raising concerns from Chopra regarding his readiness for the tournament.
Squad changes
Chopra predicts changes in India's Champions Trophy squad
Chopra has also suggested that four fast bowlers should have been included in the Champions Trophy squad considering Shami's inconsistent form.
"Four fast bowlers should have 100% been there (in the Champions Trophy squad) because whatever we have seen of Mohammed Shami, he did take three wickets in the last match for sure and bowled decently, but he is far from ready," Chopra said.
Pace predicament
India's pace attack under scrutiny as Champions Trophy nears
India has named just three pacers, Bumrah, Shami, and Arshdeep Singh — in their Champions Trophy squad.
Harshit Rana was selected as Bumrah's injury backup for the first two ODIs against England, while Mohammed Siraj was left out.
However, Chopra believes Siraj will make his way back into the 15-man squad.
"I feel a fast bowler will get added. In whose place he will be, we shall find out. I feel Siraj will go to the Champions Trophy," Chopra said.
Stats
A look at Bumrah and Shami's ODI stats in brief
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.
Additionally, Shami has picked up 195 scalps across 101 ODIs (100 innings), at an average of 23.68. He boasts an economy rate of 5.55 alongside 10 four-wicket hauls and five five-wicket hauls.
Meanwhile, both Bumrah and Shami last played in ODIs during the 2023 Cricket World Cup.