As India prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, a major concern surrounds the availability of their pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah. The fast bowler is currently undergoing a five-week rest period after sustaining a back injury during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. With less than two weeks before India’s first game on February 20, former South African pacer Vernon Philander has advised the Indian team management to handle Bumrah’s workload carefully.
A Crucial Discussion for Gambhir and Agarkar
Philander believes that head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar must have a serious conversation with Bumrah about his playing schedule. Speaking during the SA20 tournament, he stressed the need to strategically rest Bumrah to keep him fresh for the most important matches.
“I think it’s more about how the Indian management handles him. He must juggle his workload wisely between tournaments, ensuring a seamless blend of training, recovery, and strategy to stay at peak performance. You want him available for key games while giving other bowlers opportunities in less important matches,” Philander said.
Balancing Champions Trophy and IPL
Bumrah’s injury management is not just a concern for Champions Trophy 2025 but also for the Indian Premier League. Philander acknowledged the pressure on players to perform in every game and the desire to achieve records but emphasized that India needs to make careful decisions.
With the IPL on the horizon, having a player like Bumrah fit and firing for the majority of the matches is a game-changer. But how do you manage him throughout the season?” he added.
India’s Pace Options for England Series
To ensure Bumrah’s fitness, the selectors have rested him for India’s three-match ODI series against England. The chosen pace attack for the series includes:
Mohammed Shami
Arshdeep Singh
Harshit Rana
With the Champions Trophy approaching, the Indian management must decide whether to play Bumrah in all matches or reserve him for crucial encounters. Their approach to handling his workload could significantly impact India’s chances in the tournament.
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