"Will Be A Huge Loss To India"- Mohammad Amir on Jasprit Bumrah's Likely Absence From Champions Trophy 2025

Jasprit Bumrah's fortunes in the upcoming Champions Trophy hangs in the balance after he injured his back in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The series took a toll on Bumrah and it could result in him missing out from the ICC tournament.

The BCCI seeked an extension from the ICC in naming their Champions Trophy squad. One of the reasons why they asked for some time was to monitor the fitness of Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. The time would also allow the selectors to think about the senior players going forward.

Now as per a report by the Times Of India, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla in a recent meeting has said that the Indian squad might be named on January 19.

Meanwhile, former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir, in a recent conversation with the Times of India, said about how important Bumrah is for Team India and weighed in on his possible absence from the tournament. The pacer recently took 32 wickets for his side in the recently concluded BGT2025. However, despite his brilliance with the ball, India lost the series 3-1.

"It will be a huge loss to India if Bumrah isn't there. He has been a top bowler for India, leading the pack from the front. Without him, the Indian bowling attack is reduced to 40-50 percent of its strength," he said, according to the Times of India.

Amir further said that without Bumrah, the pressure will be on India in their clash with the rivals in Dubai on February 23 (Sunday).

"India has always been my favorite in big tournaments. But the Indian team is under pressure and facing severe criticism due to their recent defeats,” Amir observed.

Jasprit Bumrah Uncertain For Champions Trophy: NCA Sources

Talking about Jasprit Bumrah's fitness, sources close to the NCA (National Cricket Academy) in Bengaluru have almost confirmed that he will miss the Champions Trophy owing to his back injury. The pacer was injured on Day 2 of the final Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The pacer had pulled out of action after bowling just one over after Lunch break. He was taken for scans and did not come out to bowl in the final innings of the match on Day 3.

"Since he is injured and will report to NCA for his rehab. As of now, we are hoping that he will be fine soon but not very sure about it as far as his selection is concerned. "Selectors will take call but sources indicated that he will be in the provisional squad as subject to fitness addition. A final call will be taken soon," the sources told to India Today.

Bumrah's nature of injury is yet to be confirmed. If he has a Grade 1 injury, he will be out for atleast two to three weeks. If he has a Grade 2 injury, he will be sidelined for atleast six weeks. A Grade 3 injury will unfortunately rule him out for atleast three months.