‘Too precious to be just called on for one game out of the blue’ – Ravi Shastri warns against risking Jasprit Bumrah for Champions Trophy 2025

Ravi Shastri warns against risking Jasprit Bumrah for Champions Trophy 2025. (Photo Source: Twitter)

Given Jasprit Bumrah‘s injury status, Ravi Shastri suggested that India should give the talismanic pacer ample time to recover instead of rushing him for the forthcoming Champions Trophy 2025. The former India head coach said that Bumrah is too precious a player and asking him to operate at his optimum level right after recovering from injury could do more harm than good.

Bumrah is recovering from a back injury that resulted from his heavy workload during the Border-Gavaskar series. He couldn’t bowl on the final day of the five-match series due to a back spasm. Bumrah could also miss the ODI series against England, which begins on Thursday, February 6. While the veteran speedster has been named in India’s provisional squad for the Champions Trophy, there is a cloud of uncertainty surrounding his participation in the global event.

Shastri said that India have a lot of important assignments in 2025 apart from the Champions Trophy. However, the cricketer-turned-commentator acknowledged that Bumrah’s absence will severely hamper India’s chances of winning the eight-team tournament.

“I think it’s high risk. There’s too much big cricket coming up for India. And at this stage of his career, I think he’s too precious to be just called on for one game out of the blue and asked to deliver. The expectations will be so much. They’ll think that he’ll come in straight away and set the world on fire. It’s never that easy when you come back from injury. Bumrah not fit will reduce India’s chances [of winning the Champions Trophy] by 30%, literally by 30-35%. With a fully fit Bumrah playing, you are guaranteed of those death overs,” Shastri said on the latest episode of the ICC Review.

Also Read: ‘There is no explanation’ – Aakash Chopra questions BCCI over Jasprit Bumrah’s absence from England series

Bumrah had a phenomenal outing on the Test tour of Australia, finishing as the highest wicket-taker and winning the Player of the Series award. Indians fans are praying for the 31-year-old’s speedy recovery as he is integral to India’s chances of doing well in the Champions Trophy.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

habiba sultana

See Full Bio