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

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025which will start in February, is just around the corner, and India are yet to announce their squad. The delay has led to widespread speculation among fans and pundits, particularly about the star’s fitness. jasprit bumrah. Notably, Bumrah faced difficulties in the last Test of India’s recent tour of Australia, where he did not play enough and was also rested for the upcoming T20I leg against England.

The delay in the squad announcement is being interpreted by some as a strategic move by the selectors, possibly to further assess Bumrah’s fitness levels before making a final decision. However, this uncertainty has only added to the anticipation and concerns surrounding India’s campaign in the tournament. Some reports have even suggested that the star pacer might miss the opening games in Dubai.

Absence of Jasprit Bumrah: A major blow to India’s chances

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

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

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

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Kris Srikkanth defends Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s inclusion

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

“Bhuvneshwar Kumar should be in India’s ODI squad for the Champions Trophy. He has a lot of experience,” Srikkanth said, stressing that Bhuvneshwar has performed well in domestic cricket and still has a lot to offer in the international arena.

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

“If you can bring back someone like Karun Nair, why not Bhuvi? He has been playing domestic cricket and is bowling brilliantly. In the T20 World Cup 2022, except the semi-final, he was quite good. You can bring in- it in the settings and it will offer you when it’s important.” added Srikkanth.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar – A great experience to count on

Bhuvneshwar in particular, once a mainstay in India’s bowling line-up, is known for his ability to move the ball both ways and maintain tight lines. Although he last played an ODI in 2022 and has not featured 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, consistently 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.

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

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