Champions Trophy 2025: “Reduce India’s Champions Trophy-Winning Chances By 30%”: Ravi Shastri

Cricket legends Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting assess India’s reduced chances if Bumrah misses out, with Mohammed Shami in the spotlight.

February 4, 2025: With the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 fast approaching, India’s campaign faces a significant hurdle—uncertainty surrounding the fitness of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Named the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and Test Cricketer of the Year for 2024, Bumrah’s contribution to India’s cricketing success, including their T20 World Cup triumph, has been nothing short of phenomenal.

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However, a back spasm sustained during the Sydney Test against Australia in January has kept him out of action. Despite being included in India’s provisional Champions Trophy squad, his absence from the upcoming ODI series against England has raised alarms.

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Former India head coach Ravi Shastri and Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting have both weighed in on the potential implications of Bumrah’s absence. Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri cautioned against rushing Bumrah back into action, emphasizing the long-term risks. “Bumrah not fit will reduce India’s chances of winning the Champions Trophy by 30-35%,” he said. Shastri added that India’s demanding cricket calendar makes it vital to preserve Bumrah’s fitness.

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Ricky Ponting echoed Shastri’s concerns, pointing to Bumrah’s workload during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as a possible factor in his injury. He believes the burden now shifts to Mohammed Shami, who recently returned to form after his own injury layoff.

Shami, who last played in the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final, has already displayed glimpses of his prowess, including a standout performance in a T20I against England. Shastri noted that Shami’s ability to bowl extended spells in ODIs will be under scrutiny, particularly in the upcoming England series.

India’s Champions Trophy campaign begins on February 20 in Dubai, with conditions likely to favor fast bowlers. The fitness and form of Bumrah and Shami will be pivotal as the team looks to clinch the coveted title.

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Champions Trophy 2025, Jasprit Bumrah injury, Mohammed Shami fitness, Ravi Shastri, Ricky Ponting, India cricket team, ICC Men’s Cricket, fast bowling in ODIs, cricket analysis