ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Bangladesh told to exploit Jasprit Bumrah's absence and upset India
Published - 17 Feb 2025, 05:13 PM | Updated - 17 Feb 2025, 11:35 PM
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India and Bangladesh will kick off their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against each other on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. The Men in Blue will be without their premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah, and Bangladesh is eager to make the most of the opportunity.
Ahead of the match, former Bangladesh opener Imrul Kayes believes that the Tigers have a golden opportunity to test India's pace attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. He stressed that the star pacer’s absence gives Bangladesh a chance to put pressure on India's young bowling attack.
Jasprit Bumrah's absence gives Bangladesh a chance to capitalize: Imrul Kayes
In Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, the experienced pacer Mohammed Shami will lead India’s bowling attack in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, while Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh will assist him. However, Shami has yet to hit his form after his comeback from a long injury layoff, and that’s a big plus point for the Tigers going into their tournament opener in Dubai.
However, Imrul Kayes admitted that Mohammed Shami can still pose a challenge for Bangladeshi batters, but if they seize the moment and exploit any weaknesses in India's bowling attack, they might have a real shot at pulling off an upset in the Champions Trophy 2025.
Kayes was quoted as saying by PTI, “India is a strong side with a great bowling attack and batting lineup. But Jasprit Bumrah is not in the squad. We all know what he has done in the last two years for Indian cricket. His absence gives Bangladesh a chance to capitalize. Shami's inclusion is big. He may be struggling a bit with fitness right now, but if he finds his rhythm, he will be a big threat for Bangladesh.”
Can Mehidy Hasan Miraz fill Shakib Al Hasan’s shoes?
Speaking on Shakib Al Hasan’s absence, the former opener said, “I definitely miss Shakib because he is a very good player. His impact on any match is immense. At the moment, Bangladesh is struggling. They are struggling because if Shakib is not playing, Bangladesh might play an additional spinner. That's the main problem.”
With Shakib Al Hasan unavailable, Bangladesh will look to vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz to take charge as their key all-rounder in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Over the years, Mehidy has shown immense confidence and versatility, proving himself in both batting and bowling roles.
Imrul Kayes says Bangladesh will miss Shakib Al Hasan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Imrul Kayes said that Mehidy has displayed the ability to adapt to any situation, having opened the innings in high-pressure games to anchoring the middle order. He also hailed Mehidy’s fearless approach and self-belief, saying these traits make him a strong candidate to fill the void left by Shakib Al Hasan in the tournament.
But still, Kayes said that Bangladesh will miss Shakib, the bowler at the event. He signed off by saying, “If you see Mehidy Hasan, when he came to the national team, he was new, but his courage is amazing. His character shows he is a champion player.
He doesn't care about anybody; he always believes, I will do it.' But bowling-wise, Bangladesh will miss Shakib because he is a left-handed spinner. The impact he creates with his bowling is invaluable for our team.”
