ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India to lose because of Jasprit Bumrah? Dilip Vengsarkar's stunning verdict

Former India captain and ex-chairman of selectors Dilip Vengsarkar raised concerns over the Rohit Sharma-led team's bowling attack ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Vengsarkar stated that bowling would be the key factor in the Champions Trophy campaign, especially in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.

The 31-year-old sustained a lower back injury during the final Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He was initially named in the provisional squad for the Champions Trophy. However, the right-arm fast bowler has been ruled out of the eight-team tournament as he failed to recover from the injury.

Jasprit Bumrah Will Be Missed - Dilip Vengsarkar Ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Dilip Vengsarkar said that India are a strong contender to win the Champions Trophy 2025 title. However, he stated that the bowling attack is a major concern in Jasprit Bumrah's absence. Vengsarkar urged the remaining pacers to step up and make the most of their opportunities.

"What will matter is how we bowl. Bumrah will be missed. He's an outstanding bowler and in ODIs, there are 10 overs to bowl. He's great with his second spell, the new ball, the old ball, he's a master (with the ball). I expect those who are there to grab the opportunity and establish themselves at this level. Bowling will be the key factor," Vengsarkar told TOI during a private visit to Goa on Friday.

Besides Bumrah’s absence, there are concerns over Mohammed Shami, who has regained fitness but lacks match practice. Arshdeep Singh has limited experience in ODIs. On February 11, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) named Harshit Rana as Bumrah's replacement for the marquee event.

Jasprit Bumrah Was India's Best Bowler in T20 World Cup 2024

Jasprit Bumrah played a pivotal role with the ball throughout India's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign. The right-arm pacer was named the Player of the Tournament for his consistent performances. He took 15 wickets in eight games at an impressive average of 8.27 and an economy rate of just 4.18.

Jasprit Bumrah showcased his brilliance in key encounters, dismantling opposition batting line-ups. He registered figures of 3-14 against Pakistan and 3-7 against Afghanistan. The pacer recorded 2-12 in the semifinal against England, followed by 2-18 in the final against South Africa in Barbados.

Varun Chakravarthy Included as Fifth Spinner in India's Squad

Varun Chakravarthy has been added to the squad as the fifth spinner, replacing Yashasvi Jaiswal. He was included in the team after an impressive run in T20Is, including a Player of the Series performance in the recent five-match series against England.

Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Chakravarthy are part of the spin attack. Rohit Sharma and his team will kick off their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20.

India and Australia are the joint-most successful teams in Champions Trophy history, each winning the title twice. India first lifted the trophy in 2002, sharing it with Sri Lanka after the final was washed out. They secured their second title in the 2013 edition when they defeated England at Edgbaston.

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