Kapil Dev emphasizes team performance over individual talent amid Bumrah's injury
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On February 14, Indian cricket icon Kapil Dev addressed the unfortunate injury of Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, stressing that team performance is paramount and that the squad must rise to the challenge in his absence.
Key Takeaways
- Kapil Dev highlights the importance of team effort.
- Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to injury.
- Harshit Rana named as Bumrah's replacement.
- Mohammed Shami to lead the pace attack in Bumrah’s absence.
- India's first match in the Champions Trophy is against Bangladesh.
Kolkata, Feb 14 (NationPress) Indian cricketing great Kapil Dev has shared his thoughts on the unfortunate injury to pace leader Jasprit Bumrah as the nation gears up for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. While he acknowledged the significance of Bumrah's role, he stressed the need for the team to rise to the occasion in his absence.
Bumrah will miss the prestigious tournament due to a lower back injury he incurred while captaining India in the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney. He was remarkably effective throughout the series, consistently challenging Australian batsmen with his superior control and aggressive bowling style. His absence is a considerable setback for India, particularly in light of his crucial performances in the T20 World Cup 2024.
"The performance is a team effort, not reliant on a single player. While his absence is unfortunate, the team must remain strong," Kapil Dev remarked to reporters in Kolkata during an event.
"Wishing the Indian team the best; focus on performing well rather than the outcome," he added.
In Bumrah’s stead, Harshit Rana has been selected as his replacement. Rana made a mark during his ODI debut series against England, where he secured six wickets across three matches. He also showcased his potential in his T20I debut by stepping in as a concussion substitute and taking three wickets.
Taking charge of the pace bowling unit in Bumrah's absence will be Mohammed Shami, while Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana will vie for additional fast-bowling positions. The spin department will see competition among Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakaravarthy, while spin-bowling all-rounders Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja will add further depth to the squad.
India’s journey in the Champions Trophy will commence against Bangladesh in Dubai on February 20, with the tournament set to be co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE starting February 19.
India's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Non-travelling substitutes include Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj, and Shivam Dube. These players will travel to Dubai as needed.
