Mehidy Hasan relieved at Jasprit Bumrah's absence from Champions Trophy
What's the story
India are without their star pacer Jasprit Bumrah in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy.
The speedster was ruled out due to back stress, a major blow for the team.
Meanwhile, India have started their campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai.
Bangladeshi all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz reacted to the news, admitting he's relieved not to face Bumrah in the tournament.
"We are very happy (that he is not coming here)", Miraz said in a video posted by the ICC.
Admiration
Miraz praises Bumrah's bowling prowess
As mentioned, in a video shared by the ICC, Miraz spoke to Bumrah's wife Sanjana Ganeshan, a sports presenter.
He called Bumrah a "dangerous bowler" while saying, "He is a very different bowler. And he is very dangerous."
"Everybody respects him, every batter. He has improved a lot," he further lauded the pacer in the video.
Miraz's words just echoes Bumrah's experience and the respect he has attained over the years globally.
Tournament
India's journey in Champions Trophy begins
As mentioned, India have kicked off their ICC Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, the team will all their games in Dubai, according to the hybrid model adopted by the ICC.
Additionally, former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan highlighted the huge difference Bumrah's absence makes to the team but expressed faith in Harshit Rana, who has been named as Bumrah's replacement.
Moreover, Ganeshan also confirmed in the video that Bumrah is okay and has started his training at the NCA.
Advantage
Bumrah's absence: A potential advantage for Bangladesh
Former Bangladeshi cricketer Imrul Kayes, however, views Bumrah's absence as an opportunity for Bangladesh in their ongoing tournament opener against India.
He stressed the importance of players stepping up in Shakib Al Hasan's absence, especially vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
With Mohammed Shami spearheading India's pace department with Rana and Arshdeep Singh, the stage is set for an interesting contest.
Fitness
Jasprit Bumrah begins rehabilitation at NCA after Champions Trophy exclusion
Bumrah commenced his rehabilitation at the NCA in Bengaluru after being ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025 due to a lower back injury. M
The pacer suffered the injury during the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney, after which he refrained from bowling in the second innings.
Despite chief selector Ajit Agarkar's initial hopes that Bumrah would recover in time for the third ODI against England, his fitness levels weren't up to the mark, ruling him out of CT.
Toss
Bangladesh vs India, Champions Trophy: Shanto elects to bat
The Indian cricket team is up against Bangladesh in their opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025.
The much-anticipated clash is going on in Dubai, a venue where Team India have an excellent record.
Meanwhile, The Men in Blue will head into the tournament on a high after a resounding 3-0 ODI series win over England at home.
Additionally, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and elected to bat first.