India will certainly feel the absence of Jasprit Bumrah in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as Shikhar Dhawan pointed out ahead of the tournament’s commencement. Bumrah, a cornerstone of India's fast bowling attack, has been out of action since suffering a back injury during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in January 2025. The fast bowler hasn’t been part of any cricketing action since that time, and his loss will undoubtedly impact India’s plans as they look to defend their competitive edge in the ICC Champions Trophy.
“I am quite confident about India—they have a solid team and played very well against England in their recent ODI series. But my concern is that they are going to miss Jasprit Bumrah. There’s no doubt he will be a huge loss, and they will feel it very strongly,” Dhawan remarked. His words reflect the importance of Bumrah’s unique skillset, which has been a pivotal element in India’s successes in previous ICC tournaments, including the T20 World Cup and World Cup.
Bumrah’s exceptional bowling action and his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations have set him apart as one of the best fast bowlers in the world. Dhawan further explained how Bumrah’s skill is not easily replicated. “For me, he is the best bowler in the world, and his accuracy is hard to replicate. He is also a very calm character, which is crucial in a big ICC event like this," Dhawan added. The calmness under pressure and the ability to execute yorkers and tight lines, especially in the death overs, has been Bumrah’s signature, and his absence leaves a significant gap in India’s plans for the tournament.
The Indian selectors and coaching staff have taken a cautious approach this time, refusing to rush Bumrah back into action, having learned from their previous mistakes. The team had attempted to bring Bumrah back prematurely for the 2022 T20 World Cup, a decision that ultimately prolonged his injury. This time, India decided to fast-track Harshit Rana, a promising fast bowler, to fill the void left by Bumrah's injury. Rana's debut series against England was marked by a challenging start, where he was hit for runs in the powerplay, but he made a strong recovery in the middle overs, impressing with his ability to dismiss key batsmen.
"Harshit Rana’s inclusion is exciting — keep an eye on him, he could have a breakout tournament. I like his attitude; he’s a go-getter who isn’t afraid of challenges. We saw in the England series that he is in good form. If he seizes this opportunity, he could provide a real x-factor for India," Dhawan noted. The 23-year-old has shown maturity and adaptability, making him a strong contender for the fast-bowling all-rounder spot, and his potential to make an impact in the Champions Trophy is high.
Despite Bumrah’s absence, Dhawan expressed optimism about India’s batting strength. India has a well-rounded and in-form batting lineup, which includes players like Shubman Gill, who was in exceptional form during the ODI series against England, scoring over 250 runs across three matches. Dhawan also highlighted the importance of experienced players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Rohit, who had struggled for form in the recent past, hit a stunning century in the second ODI, showcasing his aggressive stroke play. Meanwhile, Kohli contributed a gritty half-century in the final ODI, reaffirming his value as a key batsman for India in big tournaments.
“There are many reasons to be optimistic about India. They have a well-balanced batting lineup with a mix of experience and youth. Shubman Gill, in particular, is so consistent, and I believe he will have a great tournament,” Dhawan stated. His faith in Gill’s consistency speaks to the young batsman’s potential to shine on the global stage, and with players like Rohit and Virat, India’s batting depth looks solid. Dhawan was also confident that this would be a tournament to remember for these players, and they have the experience and mentality to take on the toughest challenges.
"Rohit Sharma has regained form, Virat Kohli is there — it’s a top side that will be tough to stop. India performed well in the last Champions Trophy but fell short in the final. However, they played some amazing cricket, and the squad knows what they are capable of," Dhawan continued. Reflecting on India’s last Champions Trophy performance, Dhawan emphasized that while the team lost in the final, the journey to that point demonstrated their strength and potential, making them a formidable opponent in the upcoming edition.
The 2025 Champions Trophy, set to feature a high level of competition, will undoubtedly test India’s depth in all departments, and Bumrah’s absence will serve as a significant challenge. However, with the batting lineup in great form and young talents like Harshit Rana stepping up, India’s prospects in the tournament remain promising. Bumrah’s absence will leave a big hole in the squad, but Dhawan’s confidence in his teammates reflects India’s overall strength as they head into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.