ICC Champions Trophy 2025: 'Jasprit Bumrah will be fully fit by CT'

Former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis expressed hope that ace Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah will be fully fit for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to begin on February 19. Waqar praised Jasprit Bumrah for his bowling skills, adding that he is a challenging bowler for any batter to face.

With the Champions Trophy looming, all eyes are on Team India's 15-member squad, as almost all the participating sides have finalized their rosters. Fans are eagerly awaiting confirmation of Jasprit Bumrah's inclusion in the squad. Bumrah is working hard to regain full fitness in time for the tournament.

Ajit Agarkar's Selection Committee Closely Monitoring Jasprit Bumrah’s Fitness

The 31-year-old pacer had an outstanding performance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, finishing the series as the top wicket-taker with 32 wickets at an average of 13.06. However, he suffered back spasms during the fifth and final Test in Sydney, which limited his bowling in the second innings.

Bumrah’s exceptional efforts earned him the Player of the Series award. The injury is being closely monitored by the National Cricket Academy (NCA). As a result, he will miss India's T20I series against England and likely the 50-over series as well. Bumrah is highly doubtful for the Champions Trophy.

Jasprit Bumrah Is Not Easy for Any Batter to Face - Waqar Younis

Speaking to the media in Abu Dhabi, Waqar Younis stated that Jasprit Bumrah is a challenging bowler for any batter to face. Waqar emphasized that players like Bumrah are needed in the cricketing world and expressed hope that Bumrah would be fully fit for the Champions Trophy.

"He is not easy for any batter to face. The cricketing world needs players like him, and I hope he will be fully fit by the Champions Trophy," Waqar stated, as quoted by Cricketpakistan.pk.

Jasprit Bumrah was part of India's squad in the Champions Trophy 2017 held in England, but he had a tough tournament. The right-arm fast bowler went wicketless in both the group-stage match and the final against Pakistan, giving away 68 runs in nine overs during the summit clash.

I Am Confident the Dubai Cricket Stadium Will Be Packed with Fans - Waqar Younis

Speaking about the high-voltage India vs. Pakistan match on February 23, 2025, in the Champions Trophy, Waqar Younis stated that it would be an exciting contest. He also predicted that the Dubai Cricket Stadium would be packed with fans for the clash.

"I am confident the Dubai Cricket Stadium will be packed with fans, and we will witness a thrilling contest," Waqar stated.

Pakistan and India are the only teams yet to announce their squads for the Champions Trophy. Both teams are placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh and New Zealand. Pakistan, as co-hosts, will kick off the tournament on February 19 against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi.

Pakistan, the defending champions, won the 2017 edition by defeating India in the final and will aim for a second consecutive title. Mohammad Rizwan's side has been in strong form recently, securing series wins against Australia and South Africa.

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