Aaqib Javed and Jasprit Bumrah [Source: @TheRealPCB, @BCCI/x]
Pakistan’s interim head coach and former cricketer Aaqib Javed has signified the importance of legendary Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. With Bumrah yet to attain full recovery, Javed stated that the Indian team management should be worried about the speedster’s fitness before the much-awaited 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
It is worth noting that Jasprit Bumrah suffered back spasms towards the end of Team India’s five-match Test tour of Australia. The 31-year-old was even ruled out from the second innings of the series-deciding Sydney Test last month.
Aaqib Javed hails Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah is yet to attain full recovery, considering the legendary speedster was originally slated to make his return for India’s home ODI series against England before getting ruled out of the line-up. As the 31-year-old is racing against time to attain full recovery before the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, former Pakistan cricketer and current interim head coach Aaqib Javed praised the Indian speedster and highlighted the value he brings to the table.
When asked to address the ‘Bumrah factor’ before the blockbuster India vs Pakistan clash in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, Javed responded to the reporters by saying:
“They (India) should be worried about Bumrah's fitness. When you play Champions Trophy, the most beautiful thing about it is you can't take any team lightly. The top eight best teams are playing. If any team has a bowler like Bumrah, it is a plus point. But it is not like we will plan everything around him.”
It is worth noting that Jasprit Bumrah won the ‘Player of the Match’ awards in each of India’s previous two showdowns against Pakistan in ICC events. The seasoned fast bowler bowled India to victory over their arch-rivals at the 2023 ODI World Cup as well as during the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The two teams will now be crossing paths for a Group A Champions Trophy affair at the Dubai International Stadium on February 23.