Harbhajan backs Team India despite Bumrah's absence from Champions Trophy
What's the story
Veteran Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh is confident about Team India's chances at the upcoming Champions Trophy, despite the absence of key bowler Jasprit Bumrah.
The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) confirmed Bumrah's absence from the tournament due to a back injury he picked up back in January.
Meanwhile, this is his second withdrawal from a major ICC event in five years, after he missed the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Performance review
Harbhajan highlights India's strength in recent ODI series
Despite Bumrah's absence, India proved their mettle by winning the ODI series against England 3-0.
"I still believe India is the favorite in the Champions Trophy, but they have to play like the favorites," Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
He stressed that even without Bumrah, the team has many experienced players like Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja who can rise to the occasion.
New responsibilities
Bumrah's absence puts spotlight on other bowlers
With Bumrah out of the Champions Trophy, the onus now falls on Arshdeep, Shami, and Harshit Rana to secure crucial wickets.
Meanwhile, Rana was named as Bumrah's replacement in the Indian squad for the tournament.
"Batting and bowling departments are performing well. But I think if you want to win the tournament, you should learn to play without Bumrah," he further added.
Batting prowess
Harbhajan praises Indian batsmen's form ahead of Champions Trophy
Harbhajan also praised the form of Indian batsmen, especially captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Sharma scored a century in the second ODI against England, while Kohli regained form with a fifty in the final match.
Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer also contributed with consistent runs. "I call India a favorite because of its capability," Singh said, praising both the batting and bowling performances.
Upcoming match
India to face Bangladesh in Champions Trophy opener
India will open their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai.
The team's revised squad for the Champions Trophy features Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Whitewash
India win Ahmedabad ODI to rout England 3-0
India routed England 3-0 in the three-match ODI series after claiming a massive win in Ahmedabad.
The Men in Blue successfully defended 356 with another concerted effort from the bowlers.
England were given a blazing start by Philip Salt and Ben Duckett (60/0), but they couldn't consolidate once this stand was broken. England were bowled out for 214.
Pivotal knocks from Gill, Iyer, and Kohli laid the foundation for India's victory. Adil Rashid took four wickets for England.