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Jasprit Bumrah, Shami Out? India's Strongest Bowling Unit For Champions Trophy 2025

Rajgeeta Yadav

Jasprit Bumrah in action [Source: @AkshatOM10/X.com]Jasprit Bumrah in action [Source: @AkshatOM10/X.com]

With just a month left for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, cricket fans are buzzing with excitement. The tournament, making a comeback after eight years, will be held in Pakistan and Dubai in February. While England have already announced their squad, India and six other teams are expected to reveal their provisional squads on January 12.

India, however, faces a big challenge with injury concerns and inconsistent form among key bowlers. Players like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are uncertain to make the cut, raising questions about India’s strongest bowling attack for the tournament.

Let’s break down who could make India’s bowling unit for the Champions Trophy 2025.

1. Arshdeep Singh to Lead the Pace Attack with Mohammed Siraj

India’s star pacer Jasprit Bumrah may miss the tournament due to a back injury. He recently suffered a spasm during a Test match against Australia and is undergoing scans. Reports suggest that if it’s a Grade 1 injury, he could recover in 2-3 weeks, but a Grade 3 injury could keep him out for up to three months.

With Bumrah’s availability in doubt, the pace attack will likely be led by Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj. Both pacers have been in excellent form recently.

Mohammed Shami is another bowler facing injury concerns. He hasn’t played an international match since the ODI World Cup 2023, where he was the highest wicket-taker with 24 wickets in 7 matches. However, Shami is currently playing domestic cricket, but his fitness remains a concern.

If Shami is ruled out, Arshdeep and Siraj are expected to fill the gaps in the pace unit.

  •  Arshdeep Singh: Punjab pacer has the ability to swing the ball and bowl tight lines and he brings left-arm variation to the pace unit. He had a brilliant run in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, making him a strong contender to spearhead the bowling attack.
  • Mohammed Siraj: He’s been India’s most reliable pacer in the powerplay, striking early and putting pressure on the opposition. Siraj’s ability to swing the new ball and maintain control makes him a key player.

2. Harshit Rana, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan in Contention

India will need at least three frontline pacers for the Champions Trophy. If Bumrah and Shami are both unavailable, the selectors could go for younger bowlers.

  •  Harshit Rana: The right-arm pacer is well-known for his hit-the-deck bowling style and  he can also generate bounce and bowl at a good pace.
  • Mukesh Kumar: A consistent performer in domestic cricket, Mukesh brings accuracy and discipline to the bowling attack.
  • Avesh Khan: Though he has been inconsistent in international cricket, Avesh remains a backup option due to his experience and pace.

3. Spin Department: Varun Chakravarthy To Replace Kuldeep Yadav?

India star spinner Kuldeep Yadav is doubtful for the Champions Trophy due to a sports hernia injury. He has been a key part of India’s success in the T20 World Cup 2024 and ODI World Cup 2023, but his fitness will be tested in the upcoming ODI series against England.

If Kuldeep fails to recover, the selectors are likely to pick Varun Chakravarthy as his replacement.

 • Varun Chakravarthy: The Tamil-Nadu star spinner is known for his mystery spin, Varun has been in great form in T20Is and domestic cricket. He recently took 18 wickets in 6 matches during the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Varun’s unorthodox bowling style could prove to be a match-winner on the spinning tracks of Pakistan and Dubai.

4. All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar

India bowling unit will also be boosted by all-rounders who can contribute with both bat and ball.

  •  Hardik Pandya: The fast-bowling all-rounder is expected to play a key role in both departments. His ability to bowl in the death overs and score quick runs makes him a valuable asset.
  • Axar Patel: A left-arm spinner who can also bat, Axar provides balance to the team. His ability to bowl in the middle overs and contain runs will be crucial.
  • Washington Sundar: A right-arm off-spinner who can bat in the lower order, Sundar’s inclusion adds more variety to the spin department.

Interestingly, Ravindra Jadeja is not expected to be picked for the Champions Trophy. Reports suggest the selectors are leaning towards younger options like Axar and Sundar, who can also float up the batting order.