Former Bangladesh opener Imrul Kayers has calculated that Bumrah’s absence gives him a good chance to face India’s pace attack during the Champions Trophy 2025.
Jasprit Bumrah, who was initially part of the India Champions Trophy squad, has been ruled out due to an injury.
He failed to recover in time from his back injury. Harshit Rana has replaced Jasprit Bumrah who recently made his ODI debut in the three-match series against England.
“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,” told Imrul Kayes.
Kayes who played 39 tests, 79 ODIs and 14 T20Is has spoken about Shakib Al Hasan’s absence from the Bangladesh squad.
Shakib’s absence hasn’t played for Bangladesh since the tour of India last year and wasn’t included in the Champions Trophy after he failed to clear tests regarding his suspect bowling action.
Kayes said that with Shakib not being there, Bangladesh are likely to include Nasum Ahmed or Rishad Hossain in their playing 11 given the playing conditions.
“I definitely miss Shakib because he is a very good player. His impact on any match is immense. At the moment, Bangladesh is struggling.”
“They are struggling because if Shakib is not playing, Bangladesh might play an additional spinner. That’s the main problem,” Kayes added.
During 2017 Champions Trophy, Bangladesh reached semi-finals after beating New Zealand. However, India beat them by nine wickets at the Edgbaston in Birmingham and knocked them out of the competition.
Placed in Group A, Bangladesh will play their group stage matches against India, Pakistan and New Zealand.
As per Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy, their first match will be against India on Febraury 20 at Dubai International Stadium.
