Team India is facing a major concern regarding the fitness of their pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to be played in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19 to March 9. The right-arm pacer has been battling a back issue that surfaced during the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia in Sydney last month. Despite his inclusion in India’s provisional squad for the Champions Trophy, his participation hinges on medical clearance.
BCCI racing against time for a decision
With the February 12 deadline approaching for finalizing the squad, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is working against the clock to assess Bumrah’s fitness and make a final decision. The management is closely monitoring his rehabilitation, as he remains a crucial component of India’s pace attack. His absence would be a massive setback, considering his ability to deliver under pressure in marquee tournaments.
Bumrah played all five Tests in India’s recent series against Australia, where he showcased his brilliance by scalping 32 wickets. However, his injury concerns escalated when he did not bowl in the second innings of the final Test in Sydney due to a back spasm. After returning to India, he was advised a five-week rest period to recover from the strain.
Last white-ball appearance and Champions Trophy hopes
Bumrah’s last ODI appearance came in the 2023 World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad on November 19, where he claimed two wickets. He was also part of India’s T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa in Barbados on June 29, marking his most recent white-ball outing.
Given his importance to the squad, the Indian team management will be hoping for a positive fitness update ahead of the Champions Trophy, as his presence could significantly bolster their title aspirations. With Jasprit Bumrah’s availability uncertain for the 2025 Champions Trophy, India may have to look for an effective replacement who can deliver with the ball under high-pressure situations.
Also READ: Not Jasprit Bumrah! Shoaib Akhtar picks the toughest bowler of modern-day cricket
3 potential replacements for Jasprit Bumrah in Champions Trophy 2025
1. Shardul Thakur – The all-round performer
Why he fits:
Shardul Thakur has been in exceptional form in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, delivering match-winning performances with both bat and ball. In the quarter-final against Haryana, he produced a game-changing spell, picking up six wickets in the second innings, helping Mumbai gain a stronghold in the match.
Current form & impact:
- In the 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season, Thakur has been a standout performer with the ball, having taken 30 wickets in just eight matches at an average of 22+, including three four-wicket hauls.
- His match-winning six-wicket haul against Haryana was also his maiden five-wicket haul of the season.
- Apart from his bowling exploits, he has been a valuable contributor with the bat, scoring 396 runs in nine innings at an average of 45+, including one century and three fifties.
International experience:
Thakur last played a Test match for India in 2023 but hasn’t been a part of the national squad since. Despite being fit, he was not selected for the white-ball series against England or the upcoming Champions Trophy. While he went unsold in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction, his current Ranji Trophy form suggests he could be a strong contender for an international recall, especially if India needs an all-rounder in place of Bumrah.
2. Harshit Rana – The young pace sensation
Why he fits:
Harshit Rana has had a dream start to his international career, making his debut across Test, T20I, and now ODI formats in quick succession. His raw pace and ability to extract bounce make him an exciting option to replace Bumrah.
Performance in ODIs against England:
- In the first ODI of the ongoing series, Rana impressed with his pace and aggression, picking up three wickets in his debut match.
- He consistently bowled at 140 kmph, troubling England’s batters with his pace and variations.
- Despite getting hammered for 62 runs in 9 overs in the second ODI, he has shown promise and adaptability, which could make him a long-term asset for India.
Why he’s a strong contender:
- Given that Bumrah was rested and Rana was included in the squad as his replacement, it indicates that the team management already sees him as a viable backup option.
- If India wants an out-and-out fast bowler with aggressive intent, Rana could be the perfect pick.
3. Prasidh Krishna – The Tall, lethal speedster
Why he fits:
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, Prasidh Krishna brings extra bounce and pace to his bowling, making him a potential match-winner in seaming conditions.
International & domestic performance:
- He made headlines with a stunning six-wickets in the Sydney Test against Australia, proving his ability to trouble top-order batters.
- In ODIs, he has taken 29 wickets in 17 matches, but hasn’t been able to establish himself as a permanent member of the squad.
- His List-A record is excellent, with 120 wickets in 70 matches at an impressive bowling average.
Why he’s a strong contender:
- Krishna has the experience of playing in high-pressure matches and could be a useful asset in conditions that offer bounce and movement.
- If India is looking for a like-for-like pace replacement for Bumrah, Krishna’s height and ability to generate extra lift make him a compelling choice.
Who should replace Bumrah?
| Player | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Shardul Thakur | Proven all-rounder, experienced, good in clutch situations | Lacks express pace, inconsistent in ODIs |
| Harshit Rana | Raw pace, aggression, can bowl 140+ kmph consistently | Inexperienced at the international level |
| Prasidh Krishna | Extra bounce, pace, high-impact bowler in seaming conditions | Struggles with economy in ODIs, injury concerns |
