March 3, 2025: As India gears up for its semi-final clash against Australia in the ongoing Champions Trophy, former cricketer Deep Dasgupta believes the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, India’s premier fast bowler, is a significant blow to the team’s chances. Bumrah, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to a lower back injury, was a key player for India, and his absence has forced the team to rely on its spinners, especially in the middle phase.
India qualified for the semi-finals after finishing at the top of Group A, with three consecutive victories. The team’s most recent win came against New Zealand, where mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy took a stunning 5/42, leading India to a dominant 44-run victory. Despite this impressive performance, Dasgupta feels the team will miss Bumrah’s match-winning ability, regardless of their success in the tournament.
“Bumrah is the best in the world, and he is a match-winner,” said Dasgupta . “So, if your team doesn’t have a match-winner, they will have a shortcoming. But no matter how good they are, no matter who comes, you will always miss Bumrah. There is no doubt about that.”
While India has been missing its pace spearhead, the team has found some comfort in the return to form of experienced pacer Mohammed Shami. Shami took a sensational five-wicket haul against Bangladesh in India’s opening match of the tournament and became the fastest Indian bowler to reach 200 ODI wickets. Dasgupta acknowledged Shami’s contributions, but he still believes Bumrah’s absence is felt deeply.
“Even if India wins the trophy, I will still say the same. You will always miss Bumrah,” Dasgupta continued. “But you can say that Shami is also a match-winner. He is in good form, and his records are absolutely brilliant.”
Former wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha echoed Dasgupta’s thoughts on Shami’s importance. “Shami is always outstanding. If he performs consistently, it will be good for the Indian team,” Saha said. “I hope they bring the trophy back.”
Ahead of the crucial semi-final match against Australia, Dasgupta had a simple message for the Indian team: “Nothing, have fun. Have fun. Play as you play. Fearless cricket. Like, we have been playing white-ball cricket for the last two years. Fearless cricket, and that’s about it.”
With the semi-final match looming, India will hope to continue their strong form, even as they navigate the challenges posed by Bumrah’s absence. The clash against Australia promises to be a thrilling contest, and India will need to play their best cricket to secure a place in the final.