The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has already ignited excitement among cricket fans, with the tournament set to showcase intense battles among the world’s best teams. For India, the stakes are especially high as they aim to win back-to-back ICC trophies, following their triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. Grouped with New Zealand, Bangladesh, and Pakistan in Group A, India’s journey promises thrilling encounters, and fans eagerly await the announcement of the squad.
India’s bowling a concern amid fitness issues
While India’s batting lineup remains a stronghold, fitness concerns in the bowling department have emerged as a significant challenge. The delayed squad announcement for the Champions Trophy has heightened speculation, especially regarding Jasprit Bumrah’s availability. The star pacer suffered a back spasm during the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney, raising doubts about his participation. Adding to the concerns is Mohammed Shami’s return after a year-long injury hiatus, while young talents like Arshdeep Singh are still finding their footing in ODIs.
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Navjot Singh Sidhu reveals India’s bowling unit for Champions Trophy 2025
Former cricketer and commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu recently shared his picks for India’s bowling lineup for the Champions Trophy. Sidhu selected Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Shami, and left-arm pacer Arshdeep, emphasizing their potential as a ‘lethal match-winning combination.’
“Fast bowlers hunt in pairs or packs—a lone wolf is nothing but a pack ineffective. With Mohammed Siraj bowling his heart out, Mohammed Shami fit, and a left-arm pacer like Arshdeep Singh in the mix, India has a great asset. Both he and Bumrah were instrumental during the 2024 World Cup, picking up wickets every 13 deliveries. This quartet can exert relentless pressure on opponents,” Sidhu wrote on X.
Fast bowler s hunt in pairs or packs – a lone wolf is nothing but a pack effective…. With @mdsirajofficial bowling his heart out @MdShami11 fit and a left hand fast bowler like @arshdeepsinghh would be great asset – both him and Bumrah were picking up a wicket after 13 delivery…
— 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, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the star pacer’s availability and how it has contributed to the unprecedented delay in India’s Champions Trophy squad announcement. He pointed out that such delays are rare in India’s cricketing history, particularly for a tournament as prestigious as the Champions Trophy.
“25 years of ICC history — India’s Champions Trophy squad announcement delayed for the first time ever. The January 12 deadline passed, the selectors & teammates wait with bated breath, 1.5 billion hearts pray and hope for the best, all eyes on Jasprit Bumrah. His name alone defines Indian cricket’s zenith, his brilliance commands global reverence,” said Sidhu.
“Yet, the mystery of his injury looms large . This isn’t just a delay; it’s the weight of a nation’s hope riding on the shoulders of a legend. The cricketing world stands still, waiting for Bumrah’s triumphant return,” he added.
“25 years of ICC history — India’s Champions Trophy squad announcement delayed for the first time ever. The January 12 deadline passed, the selectors & teammates wait with bated breath, 1.5 billion hearts pray and hope for the best, all eyes on Jasprit Bumrah. His name alone… pic.twitter.com/WQn5P7kxeN
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) January 15, 2025
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