As India awaits clarity on Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness, Pakistan’s interim head coach warns of the tournament’s unpredictability and stakes.
February 7, 2025: Pakistan Coach Highlights Jasprit Bumrah’s Fitness Ahead of India-Pakistan Clash in Champions Trophy
Pakistan’s interim head coach, Aaqib Javed, delivered a veiled dig at India ahead of the much-anticipated Champions Trophy clash between the two arch-rivals on February 23 in Dubai. Addressing reporters during Pakistan’s training session at the Ghani Glass ground in Lahore, Javed pointed out India’s concerns regarding the fitness of their leading pacer, Jasprit Bumrah.
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Bumrah, who has been sidelined since sustaining back spasms during the Sydney Test, is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru. While India captain Rohit Sharma has stated that Bumrah’s availability for the Champions Trophy will be determined after further scans, Javed remarked, “They should be worried about Bumrah’s fitness. If any team has a bowler like Bumrah, it is a plus point. But it’s not like we will plan everything around him.”
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Criticism of Pakistan’s Team Selection:
Javed also addressed criticism surrounding the inclusion of Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah in Pakistan’s squad. While some fans and critics questioned their selection based on recent performances, Javed defended the decision, emphasizing the duo’s suitability for subcontinental conditions. “Both Faheem and Khushdil are better choices to play in the subcontinent compared to conditions like Australia or South Africa,” he added.
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Tactical Outlook:
Pakistan’s game plan, according to Javed, involves targeting high scores in ODIs. He noted that scores of 325 or even 350 runs are achievable, especially with fielding restrictions limiting four fielders outside the circle in the early overs. He also hinted at the importance of solid all-rounder contributions in matches against strong teams like New Zealand, India, and Bangladesh.
“Posting 325 or more will be our goal, both in the tri-series and the Champions Trophy,” he stated.
As both teams gear up for the tournament, the India-Pakistan rivalry once again promises to deliver high-intensity action, with both nations aiming for a strong start in their campaign.
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Jasprit Bumrah, Aaqib Javed, India vs Pakistan, Champions Trophy 2025, cricket news, Pakistan cricket team, India cricket team, ODI cricket, player fitness, cricket strategies