India took a huge blow this week with their top fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, being ruled out of the 2025 Champions Trophy because of injury. The loss of Bumrah is a huge blow considering his consistent performance in all formats, but head coach Gautam Gambhir sees this as a chance for other pacers to rise and show their mettle on the big stage.
Addressing media personnel following India’s dominating 3-0 ODI series win over England in Ahmedabad, Gambhir conceded Bumrah’s significance but asserted that injuries are part and parcel of the game.
“If he’s injured, he’s injured. Whether it’s me, whether it’s the captain, we can’t do much about it,” Gautam Gambhir asserted. “Of course, we know how important he is to the team, but this is also an opportunity for players such as Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Shami to take their chances. It’s an opportunity for them to do something for the country.”
ALSO READ: Sanjay Manjrekar Urges Kuldeep Yadav To Learn From Adil Rashid’s Pace Variations
India will now bank on the experience of Mohammed Shami, who recently regained international cricket from a long layoff with injuries. His return is a big fillip to the team, considering his proven record as a match-winner.
“It’s always great to have a world-class bowler on board. With his experience and quality, everybody knows what he can do with the ball,” Gautam Gambhir opined, signifying Shami’s significance.
But the Indian team management has been careful not to overwork Mohammed Shami so that he is not fatigued before the Champions Trophy. The old campaigner played just two of the five T20Is against England and also appeared in the first two ODIs of the three-match series.
“Clearly, we were attempting to manage his workload. That’s the reason he played two T20s and two one-dayers. Hopefully, he’ll be fresh and available for the Champions Trophy,” Gautam Gambhir said.
ALSO READ: Kevin Pietersen Lambasts UK Journalist For Defending England’s Lack Of Training In India
Shami was India’s star bowler during the 2023 ODI World Cup, finishing as the tournament’s top wicket-taker and playing a pivotal role in India’s dominant march to the final. His services will be crucial as India begins their 2025 Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai.
