Indian cricket team's former opener Shikhar Dhawan has expressed his concerns about the team's chances in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, citing the absence of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah as a major blow. Bumrah was ruled out of the tournament due to a lower back injury, and Harshit Rana has been named as his replacement in the Indian squad.
Dhawan believes that Bumrah's absence will be deeply felt by the team, given his exceptional skills and experience in major ICC events. "My concern is they are going to miss Jasprit Bumrah. For me, he is the best bowler in the world, and his accuracy is hard to replicate. He is also a very calm character, and that is crucial for a huge ICC event like this," Dhawan said.
Despite this setback, Dhawan remains optimistic about India's chances in the tournament. He praised the team's balance and depth, particularly in the batting department, where players like Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli have been in impressive form.
Shikhar Dhawan thinks Harshit Rana will have a breakout tournament
Shikhar Dhawan also expressed his excitement about Harshit Rana's inclusion in the team, saying that he could have a breakout tournament in Dubai. "I think he could have a breakout tournament. I like his attitude; he is a go-getter and is not afraid of anything. He accepts challenges, and we have seen in the England series that he is in form," Dhawan said.
India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Stadium. While Bumrah's absence is undoubtedly a significant loss, Dhawan's comments suggest that the team has the depth and talent to make a strong impact in the tournament.
