Former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis has expressed hope that Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah will be fully fit for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to begin on February 19. Waqar praised Jasprit Bumrah for his bowling skills, adding that he is a challenging bowler for any batter he faces.
As the Champions Trophy approaches, all eyes are on the 15-member squad for Team India as almost all the participating sides have finalized their rosters. Fans are eagerly awaiting the confirmation of Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion in the squad. Bumrah is working hard to regain full fitness in time for the tournament.
Ajit Agarkar’s selection committee is keeping a close eye on Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness
The 31-year-old pacer had an outstanding performance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, finishing the series as the top wicket-taker with 32 wickets at an average of 13.06. However, he suffered back spasms during the fifth and final Test in Sydney, which limited his bowling in the second innings.
Bumrah’s outstanding effort earned him the player of the series award. The injury is being closely monitored by the National Cricket Academy (NCA). As a result, he will miss India’s T20I series against England and probably the 50-over series as well. Bumrah is under a big question mark for the Champions Trophy.
Jasprit Bumrah is not easy to face any striker – Waqar Younis
Speaking to the media in Abu Dhabi, Waqar Younis stated that Jasprit Bumrah is a challenging bowler that any batsman can face. Waqar emphasized that players like Bumrah are needed in the world of cricket and expressed hope that Bumrah will be fully fit for the Champions Trophy.
“It is not easy for any batsman to face him. The world of cricket needs players like him and I hope he will be fully fit by the Champions Trophy,” Waqar was quoted as saying by Cricketpakistan.pk.
Jasprit Bumrah was part of the Indian squad for the 2017 Champions Trophy held in England but had a tough tournament. The right-arm fast bowler remained wicketless in the group stage match and in the final against Pakistan, conceding 68 runs in nine overs during the summit clash.
I am confident that the Dubai Cricket Stadium will be packed with fans – Waqar Younis
Talking about the high-voltage match between India and Pakistan on February 23, 2025, in the Champions Trophy, Waqar Younis stated that it will be an exciting contest. He also predicted that the Dubai Cricket Stadium would be packed with fans for the clash.
“I am confident that the Dubai Cricket Stadium will be packed with fans and we will witness an exciting contest,” said Waqar.
Pakistan and India are the only teams that have yet to announce their squads for the Champions Trophy. Both national teams are placed in Group A along with Bangladesh and New Zealand. Pakistan, as co-hosts, will begin the tournament on February 19 against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi.
Defending champions Pakistan won the 2017 edition by defeating India in the final and will be aiming for a second consecutive title. Mohammad Rizwan’s side have been in good form recently, securing back-to-back wins against Australia and South Africa.
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