ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement identified and it’s not Harshit Rana or Varun Chakravarthy

Former Team India fast bowler Atul Wassan said that young bowler Harshit Rana should not replace Jasprit Bumrah if the latter misses the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Wassan said that Mohammed Siraj should be the preferred replacement for Bumrah, considering his experience and record.

There is a question mark over Jasprit Bumrah's availability for the highly anticipated ICC tournament, which starts on February 19. The right-arm fast bowler last played for India in the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Since then, he has been out of action from competitive cricket due to a back injury.

Mohammed Siraj is a Proven Entity - Atul Wassan

Atul Wassan said that the Rohit Sharma-led team needs experience in big tournaments. He added that Mohammed Siraj is a better option than Harshit Rana if Jasprit Bumrah is unavailable. Wassan highlighted Siraj’s experience and proven record in international cricket.

“So, if we are talking about Siraj and Harshit, I will play Siraj. Because he is a proven entity, he has done it. I won’t waste his experience. I will play the one who has played 100 matches. Because in such a big pressure encounter, even if a new player is bowling well, he can be switched," Wassan told Cricket Next (via News18).

Bumrah's participation in the Champions Trophy is uncertain. He is currently undergoing recovery from a back injury. He has been named in the preliminary squad, but his availability will depend on his fitness. Bumrah was expected to play in the third ODI against England but was left out of the squad.

Jasprit Bumrah Has Done More Than Expected - Atul Wassan

Wassan believes that Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami bowling together would make India strong favorites. He added that India can compete strongly with or without Bumrah if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are in form.

“Look, Bumrah has done more work than he was expected to do in Australia. If Bumrah is not there, it’s Shami, so I think we are covered. If Bumrah comes, it’s a lottery. If Bumrah and Shami both come, we are certainly the favourites to win the tournament. Rohit is in form, Virat is due, so I think our team is good. But even without Bumrah, I think we are still okay," Wassan said.

Gautam Gambhir Should Be Allowed to Lead His Way - Atul Wassan

The cricketer-turned-commentator backed head coach Gautam Gambhir, adding that he should be given the freedom to lead the team his way. Wassan said that he should continue if he delivers results; otherwise, it would be fair to replace him.

“Strong personalities have extreme reactions. Either you totally love them or you hate them. So, I think the ones who send these decisive signals are sometimes very successful, so we have to go. But if you have given him the charge, then I think whatever he wants to do, he should be allowed to do. If he doesn’t deliver after that, then throw him out. If he does, then let him do it," Wassan said.

The Champions Trophy is scheduled to start on February 19. India will play their opening match against Bangladesh on February 20. They will play their next group-stage matches against Pakistan on February 23 and New Zealand on March 2, respectively.

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