The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has already generated excitement among cricket fans, with the tournament set to showcase intense battles between the world’s best teams. The stakes are particularly high for India as they aim to win back-to-back ICC trophies, following their triumphant campaign at the T20 World Cup 2024. Grouped with New Zealand, Bangladeshand Pakistan in Group A, India’s road promises exciting encounters and fans are eagerly awaiting the squad announcement.
India’s bowling is a concern due to fitness issues
While India’s batting line-up remains a stronghold, fitness issues in the bowling department have proved to be a significant challenge. The delayed announcement of the squad for the Champions Trophy has increased the speculation, especially regarding the Jasprit Bumrahavailability. The star pacer suffered a back spasm during the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney, raising doubts about his involvement. An additional concern is Mohammed Shamireturn after a one-year break due to injury, while young talents love Arshdeep Singh still finding their footing in ODIs.
Also READ: India or Pakistan? Mohammad Amir predicts winner of high-voltage Champions Trophy 2025 clash.
Navjot Singh Sidhu unveils India’s bowling unit for Champions Trophy 2025.
Former cricketer and commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu recently shared his Indian bowling line-up picks for the Champions Trophy. Sidhu picked Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Shami and left-arm pacer Arshdeep, highlighting their potential as a ‘lethal match-winning combination’.
“Fast bowlers hunt in pairs or packs — a lone wolf is nothing more than an ineffective pack. With Mohammed Siraj bowling his heart out, an in-form Mohammed Shami and a left-arm pacer like Arshdeep Singh in the mix, India have a huge advantage. Both he and Bumrah were crucial during the 2024 World Cup, picking up a wicket every 13 deliveries. This quartet can put relentless pressure on opponents,” Sidhu wrote on X.
Fast hunting for bowlers in pairs or packs – a lone wolf is effective in a pack…. WITH @mdsirajofficial bowling his heart out @MdShami11 fit and left arm fast bowler like @arshdeepsinghh would have been a huge advantage – both he and Bumrah picked up wickets off 13 deliveries….
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) January 15, 2025
Sidhu on India’s leading pacer’s fitness and delay in CT squad
Sidhu expressed significant concern over Bumrah’s injury status, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the star pacer’s availability and how it has contributed to the unprecedented delay in the announcement of India’s Champions Trophy. He pointed out that such postponements are rare in Indian cricket history, especially for a tournament as prestigious as the Champions Trophy.
“25 years of ICC history — India’s Champions Trophy announcement delayed for the first time. The January 12 deadline has passed, selectors and teammates are waiting with bated breath, 1.5 billion hearts are praying and hoping for the best, all eyes are on Jasprit Bumrah. His name alone defines the zenith of Indian cricket, his brilliance commands global respect,” Sidhu said.
“However, the mystery of his injury is looming. This is not just a delay; it is the weight of a nation’s hope riding on the shoulders of a legend. The cricketing world stands still, awaiting Bumrah’s triumphant return,” he added.
“25 years of ICC history — India’s Champions Trophy announcement delayed for the first time. The January 12 deadline has passed, selectors and teammates are waiting with bated breath, 1.5 billion hearts are praying and hoping for the best, all eyes are on Jasprit Bumrah. Just his name… pic.twitter.com/WQn5P7kxeN
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) January 15, 2025
Also READ: Sunil Gavaskar, Irfan Pathan reveal their India squad for Champions Trophy 2025
