“Gambhir Admits India Will Miss Bumrah in Champions Trophy, Backs Young Pacers to Step Up”

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India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed deep disappointment over Jasprit Bumrah’s exclusion from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a lingering back injury. Speaking after India’s 3-0 ODI series whitewash against England, Gambhir admitted that the team management “desperately” wanted Bumrah in the squad but acknowledged that some things are beyond control.

🚨 “Obviously, we wanted him desperately. We know what he can do, he’s a world-class player. But then again, some things are not in your hands.” 

– Gautam Gambhir

With Bumrah officially ruled out, India has called up Harshit Rana as his replacement, while leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy replaces Yashasvi Jaiswal in the 15-member squad.

Bumrah’s Injury & Champions Trophy Absence – What Happened?

India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah sustained a back injury during the Sydney Test against Australia, where India lost the series 3-1.

📌 Bumrah’s Timeline of Events:

✔️ Suffered back injury in Sydney Test vs Australia
✔️ Missed ODI series against England
✔️ Checked into NCA for scans & rehab
✔️ Medically cleared, but selectors deemed him unfit for competitive cricket
✔️ Ruled out of Champions Trophy – Harshit Rana named replacement

The BCCI’s final squad submission deadline was approaching, and selectors chose not to risk Bumrah’s fitness, opting for a long-term recovery plan instead.

Why was Bumrah dropped if scans showed progress?

  • The selectors did not want to rush him back into high-intensity matches.
  • Reports suggested Bumrah wasn’t ready for full match bowling.
  • A back injury requires gradual rehabilitation, and risking him in a high-stakes tournament could have worsened his condition.

Opportunity for Young Pacers – Gambhir’s Backing

Despite Bumrah’s absence being a major setback, Gambhir sees it as an opportunity for younger bowlers like Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh to prove themselves on the big stage.

“So it’s an opportunity for some of the young guys, like Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh, to put their hands up and do something for the country. Sometimes these are the opportunities you’re looking for.”

This is a huge responsibility for the two young pacers, who will now share the workload with experienced fast bowler Mohammed Shami.

Is India’s Bowling Attack Weakened Without Bumrah?

India’s Pace Attack for Champions Trophy 2025:

✅ Mohammed Shami – India’s most experienced pacer
✅ Harshit Rana – Raw pace and aggression
✅ Arshdeep Singh – Left-arm variety and swing

While Shami brings leadership, Harshit and Arshdeep are untested in ICC tournaments and will need to step up under pressure.

How India Might Adjust Without Bumrah:

  • Mohammed Shami will lead the attack and bowl the crucial death overs.
  • Arshdeep Singh will take the new ball, looking to swing it early.
  • Harshit Rana will play as a strike bowler, focusing on breaking partnerships.

Without Bumrah’s world-class ability to bowl at the death, India’s bowling attack faces a real challenge.

Harshit Rana’s Rise – A Wild Card Selection?

Gambhir specifically praised Harshit Rana, who impressed in the ODI series against England, taking crucial wickets when needed.

“Harshit has been brilliant throughout the series. He’s taken some important wickets. We all know what Arshdeep can deliver.”

🚀 Why Harshit Rana?

  • Raw pace & aggression – Can bowl at 140+ kmph consistently.
  • Fearless attitude – Has shown he can perform under pressure.
  • Death-over skills – Can be groomed into a finisher with the ball.

With limited international experience, Rana will be under the spotlight in Dubai, where India’s bowling attack will face tough competition.

Squad Update – Chakravarthy Replaces Jaiswal

Another surprising selection change saw Varun Chakravarthy replacing Yashasvi Jaiswal in the Champions Trophy squad.

💭 Why was Jaiswal dropped?

  • India is stacked with top-order batters (Rohit, Gill, Kohli).
  • The pitches in Dubai may favor spin, leading to the inclusion of a wrist-spinner.

✅ Varun Chakravarthy’s role in the squad:

  • Can provide mystery spin on slow UAE tracks.
  • An alternative to Kuldeep Yadav in case of injury.
  • Good against middle-order hitters, who struggle against his variations.

India’s Champions Trophy Campaign – The Road Ahead

India will kick off their campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Stadium.

📌 Key Takeaways from India’s Squad Changes:

✔️ Jasprit Bumrah ruled out – India loses its biggest bowling weapon.
✔️ Harshit Rana replaces Bumrah – A golden opportunity for the youngster.
✔️ Varun Chakravarthy included over Jaiswal – India strengthens spin options.

🔎 Potential Challenges for India:

  • Adapting to bowling without Bumrah in crunch moments.
  • Can the new pacers handle pressure in high-stakes matches?
  • Finding the right bowling balance between pace and spin.

Can India Win Without Bumrah?

Gambhir’s words highlight the team’s disappointment at losing Bumrah, but also the belief in young talent. Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh have a massive opportunity to step up and make an impact.

However, without Bumrah, India’s chances of winning the Champions Trophy have taken a hit. His ability to deliver in pressure situations, bowl toe-crushing yorkers, and control the death overs made him India’s biggest asset in white-ball cricket.

🚨 What do you think? Can India still dominate in the Champions Trophy without Bumrah? Will Harshit Rana rise to the occasion? Drop your thoughts below! 👇🏏🔥

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