• Home
  • Cricket Analysis
  • Bumrah Ruled Out Of Ind Vs Pak Champions Trophy Match 3 Players Who Can Replace Pacer

Bumrah Ruled Out Of IND vs PAK Champions Trophy Match? 3 Players Who Can Replace Pacer

Jatin

Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss the group stage of Champions Trophy 2025 [Source: @BCCI/X]Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss the group stage of Champions Trophy 2025 [Source: @BCCI/X]

India might be heading into the ICC Champions Trophy with a major headache. Jasprit Bumrah, the team’s spearhead and one of the most feared pacers in world cricket, is reportedly set to miss the group-stage matches due to a nagging back injury.

This news couldn’t have come at a worse time, with India’s campaign set to kick off against Bangladesh on February 20, followed by the much-awaited showdown against Pakistan on February 23.

Bumrah’s Injury A Blow Before The Storm

The back spasms Bumrah suffered during the Sydney Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy turned out to be more serious than initially thought. Reports suggest swelling in his back, leaving selectors in a tricky spot. Should they gamble on his fitness and include him in the squad, or should they look elsewhere and name a replacement?

BCCI is set to announce the provisional squad soon. However, Bumrah’s absence from the group stage would mean India losing its biggest weapon.

Let’s dive into the three pacers who could potentially step into Bumrah’s shoes if the worst-case scenario unfolds.

3. Prasidh Krishna

Prasidh Krishna might not always be in the limelight, but he’s quietly built a strong reputation in Indian cricket. With 29 wickets in just 17 ODIs, the 28-year-old has shown he knows how to pick up crucial scalps. He was part of India’s ODI World Cup 2023 squad and has a real knack for breaking partnerships in the powerplay. If you’re looking for someone to step up in Bumrah’s absence, Prasidh could be the perfect fit.

The lanky pacer has a natural ability to extract extra bounce, which could trouble batters on the Dubai track. While he may not bring Bumrah’s death-over precision, Krishna’s ability to generate uncomfortable bounce and his consistency make him a dependable choice.

2. Avesh Khan

Avesh Khan has had a stop-start career in ODIs but has shown flashes of brilliance. With nine wickets in eight ODIs, Avesh has proven he can handle the pressure. His performances in South Africa in December 2023, where he picked up four wickets in three games, highlight his ability to perform on the big stage.

Avesh’s arsenal includes wide yorkers and an effective slower ball, making him a handy option for death overs. If selectors are looking for someone who can complement Mohammed Siraj, Arshdee p Singh and Mohammed Shami, Avesh might just be the man.

1. Harshit Rana

The wildcard in the pack, Harshit Rana, could be the surprise element India needs. The 23-year-old from Delhi has been quietly creating buzz in domestic cricket, with 22 wickets in 14 List A matches. Rana’s height and ability to generate bounce make him a tempting option, especially on pitches like Dubai, where his natural attributes could come into play

Rana also impressed during his Test outings in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy recently, troubling Australian batters with his steep bounce and sharp pace. Although his death-over skills are still a work in progress, he could bring a fresh energy to the bowling attack.