Bangladesh chances against India in Bumrah absence

As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 draws closer, Bangladesh sees a glimmer of opportunity with India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of the tournament. Former Bangladesh batter Imrul Kayes believes Bumrah’s absence could tilt the scales in their favor when the two teams meet in their opening group-stage clash on February 20. Let’s look at the Bangladesh chances against India in Bumrah absence.

“India is a strong side with a great bowling attack and batting lineup. But Bumrah is not in the squad. We all know what he has done in the last two years for Indian cricket. His absence gives Bangladesh a chance to capitalise,” said Kayes during his conversation with news agency PTI. 

The former Bangladesh player, however, agreed that Mohammed Shami may pose a significant threat to them in the Champions Trophy battle in Bumrah’s absence. 

Shami was spectacular during the 2023 World Cup. He was the leading wicket-taker, with 24 wickets at a stunning average of 10.70. 

Shami to lead India’s pace attack in Champions Trophy

Echoing similar sentiments, former Indian pacer Laxmipathy Balaji stressed the importance of Shami’s performance with the ball.  

“Actually, he had out-bowled Bumrah in the 2019 (50-over World Cup) and in the last World Cup (2023). Bumrah is the champion bowler across formats. But Shami has experience and, before Bumrah’s arrival, it was Shami who carried India’s attack all through,” said Balaji as reported by PTI. 

India’s selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, has opted for a spin-heavy strategy. The squad includes five spinners: Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel. The pace department features Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana, with all-rounder Hardik Pandya providing additional seam support. 

Placed in Group A, The Rohit Sharma-led India will face Bangladesh on February 20. The game will take place at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai and will start at 2:30 PM IST.  

As the highly anticipated encounter nears, Bangladesh will look to exploit India’s depleted pace attack, while India banks on its spinners and Shami’s experience to maintain their dominance on the global stage. 

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