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Shikhar Dhawan Believes India’s Arsenal Can Offset Bumrah’s Absence In Champions Trophy

Poulomi Chakraborty

Dhawan Backs Team India Ahead Of Champions Trophy 2025 (Source: @LoyalSachinFan/x.com, @indiancricketteam/x.com)Dhawan Backs Team India Ahead Of Champions Trophy 2025 (Source: @LoyalSachinFan/x.com, @indiancricketteam/x.com)

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The cricket world is all excited for the Champions Trophy’s re-arrival as the tournament is coming back after a long. Even after retirement, Dhawan is set to grace the big stage. But this time in a different role, as a brand ambassador.

Being a crucial member of India’s Champions Trophy squad in 2017, Dhawan is backing Team India for another successful outing on the big stage.

Dhawan Backs India Despite Bumrah’s Absence

Shikhar Dhawan's Champions Trophy legacy remains unforgettable, especially his stellar 2013 performance and his dominance as the highest run-scorer in 2017. As Team India is set to step into another edition of the Champions Trophy, he backs the team. However, he remains optimistic about Team India’s performance despite Bumrah’s absence.

“I can’t look past India. I am quite confident. They have a solid team and played very well against England in their recent ODI series. The obvious concern is that they will miss Jasprit Bumrah. There is no doubt he will be a big absence and I think they will feel it very strongly. For me, he is the best bowler in the world, and his accuracy is hard to replicate. He is also a very calm character and that is crucial in a huge ICC event like this.” Dhawan said.

Hails Harshit Rana Before The Tournament Begins

Before stepping onto the big stage, Bumrah's unavailability is a big set back for Team India. His absence leaves a big gap in the squad, but a new name has caught Shikhar Dhawan’s eye, Harshit Rana. The young pacer impressed everyone with his stellar performances in the recent England series, emerging as a standout performer. Before the Champions Trophy, Dhawan hailed the youngster.

“Harshit Rana has come into the side and I think that is really exciting – keep an eye on him, I think he could have a breakout tournament. I like his attitude. He is a go-getter and not afraid of anything.” Dhawan said.

After a heartbreaking exit in  2017, Team India is set to start their journey in the upcoming tournament on February 20. In their first encounter, they are set to face Bangladesh. But the real blockbuster awaits on February 23, when India faces off against arch-rivals Pakistan in Dubai.