Kris Srikkanth explains why Bhuvneshwar Kumar should be in India’s 2025 Champions Trophy squad.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025which is due to start in February, is just around the corner and India is yet to announce its squad. The delay has led to widespread speculation among fans and pundits alike, particularly about the Pacer star’s fitness Jasprit Bumrah. Notably, Bumrah faced difficulties in India’s last Test on the recent tour of Australia, where he did not bowl enough and was additionally rested for the upcoming leg of the T20I against England.

The postponement of the announcement of the lineup is interpreted by some as a strategic move by the selectors, probably to further assess Bumrah’s condition before making the final decision. However, this uncertainty only added to the anticipation and anxiety surrounding India’s campaign in the tournament. Some reports have even suggested that the star could miss the opening games in Dubai.

Jasprit Bumrah’s absence: A major blow to India’s prospects

Bumrah’s importance to the Indian bowling unit cannot be overstated. With his deadly yorkers, superb accuracy and ability to bowl under pressure, Bumrah is regarded as one of the best pacers in world cricket. His absence would not only create a void in the Indian bowling attack but also upset the balance of the team.

Meanwhile, former Indian captain Kris Srikanth has emphasized the magnitude of Bumrah’s potential unavailability, reckoning that without the Ahmedabad-born cricketer, India do not look a better side.

“It’s bad news for Jasprit Bumrah himself. For years, he carried the team’s bowling on his shoulders. If Bumrah is not there, it is like we are gone. Without him, our bowling lacks the X-factor,” Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

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Kris Srikkanth advocates the inclusion of Bhuvneshwar Kumar

To address the potential void left by Bumrah, Srikkanth suggested the inclusion of veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the squad. The former selector and captain noted that Bhuvneshwar’s experience and skill make him an ideal candidate to boost the pace of the team’s attack.

“Bhuvneshwar Kumar should be in the Indian ODI squad for the Champions Trophy. He is very experienced,” Srikkanth stated, stressing that Bhuvneshwar has a good track record in domestic cricket and still has a lot to offer in the international arena.

Srikkanth highlighted Bhuvneshwar’s potential value for the Indian team by comparing him situation to situation Karun Nairstressing that if Nair could come back, there was no reason why Bhuvneshwar shouldn’t. He pointed out that Bhuvneshwar’s experience and skill make him a reliable option who can provide support under pressure at crucial times.

“If you can bring back someone like Karun Nair, then why not Bhuvi? He played domestic cricket and bowled brilliantly. In the T20 World Cup 2022, apart from the semi-finals, he was quite good. You can plug it into your setup and it will deliver when it matters,” added Srikkanth.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar: A wealth of experience to draw upon

Namely, Bhuvneshwar, who was once the mainstay of the Indian bowling line-up, is known for his ability to swing the ball in both directions and maintain tight lines. Although he last played an ODI in 2022 and has not appeared in List-A cricket for two years, his past performances at ICC events highlight his ability to thrive under pressure.

During the T20 World Cup 2022, Bhuvneshwar was one of India’s most economical bowlers, constantly keeping the opposition batsmen in check during the powerplay overs. His ability to control the game at crucial moments could be an invaluable asset, especially in conditions where swing and seam play a vital role.

Furthermore, Bhuvneshwar’s wealth of experience could benefit India’s younger bowlers, providing them with guidance and support in critical situations. His presence would not only strengthen the bowling attack but also bring a sense of calmness and confidence to the team.

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