The cricketing world was taken aback when the BCCI announced that Jasprit Bumrah, India’s ace fast bowler, to miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a lower back injury.
His absence is not just a setback for India but a golden opportunity for several batsmen, especially from Pakistan, who have historically found Bumrah’s bowling challenging.
Here’s how three key Pakistani batsmen might benefit from this significant absence of Jasprit Bumrah in the Champions Trophy 2025:
Babar Azam
Babar Azam, perhaps one of the most technically sound batsmen in the world today, has often been put to the test by Bumrah’s unique bowling action and variations.
Despite his remarkable consistency, Azam has had his moments against Bumrah, where the Indian pacer’s ability to bowl in the channel outside off, combined with his toe-crushing yorkers in the death overs.
With Bumrah out, Azam can breathe easier, not having to deal with those testing deliveries that often set the tone for an innings.
This scenario could see Azam playing with more freedom, focusing on timing and placement rather than survival.
The psychological edge of not facing one of the best bowlers in the world might just allow him to dictate terms, especially in the crucial India vs. Pakistan match scheduled for February 23, where he could play a pivotal role in setting or chasing down a formidable total.
Mohammad Rizwan
Mohammad Rizwan, the dependable wicket-keeper batsman, has shown time and again his ability to bat deep and score big when it matters.
His resilience against fast bowling is well-documented, but facing Bumrah has always been a different challenge due to Bumrah’s unpredictable lines and lengths.
Rizwan’s approach, which often involves staying at the crease for longer periods, might benefit immensely from Bumrah’s absence.
Without the threat of Bumrah’s pace and swing, Rizwan can adopt a more aggressive stance from the get-go, potentially accelerating the scoring rate for Pakistan.
His role could be crucial in the middle overs, where he could exploit any relative inexperience or different strategies from the Indian bowling attack, steering Pakistan towards significant scores or guiding them through a tricky chase.
This could be particularly advantageous in the context of the Champions Trophy, where every run counts towards the net run rate, which can determine group standings.
Fakhar Zaman
Fakhar Zaman’s aggressive style at the top of the order has made him a key player for Pakistan, especially in opening the innings with a bang.
However, his battles with Bumrah have been some of the most fascinating duels in cricket, given Zaman’s penchant for attacking from the outset.
Bumrah’s ability to bowl tight lines and bring the ball back into the left-hander has often curtailed Zaman’s natural flair.
With Bumrah sidelined, Zaman could find himself in a position to dominate the Indian bowlers right from the start, setting the tone for Pakistan’s innings.
His ability to score quickly could put immense pressure on the Indian attack, particularly in powerplays where every boundary increases Pakistan’s momentum.
The absence of Bumrah might just allow Zaman to play with the kind of freedom that could be detrimental to India’s plans, especially in conditions where the ball might not do as much in the air or off the pitch.
The absence of Jasprit Bumrah from the Champions Trophy 2025 is not just about one bowler missing; it’s about the psychological and strategic shift it brings to the game.
For Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Fakhar Zaman, this presents an opportunity to not only express themselves more freely but also to exploit a gap in what would have been an otherwise formidable Indian bowling lineup.
However, it’s crucial to remember that cricket is a team sport, and while these batsmen might see personal benefits, the tournament’s outcome will depend on numerous factors, including how well Pakistan’s bowling attack performs, the contributions from other batsmen, and how well India adapts to Bumrah’s absence.
India might introduce new strategies or bring in bowlers who could pose different challenges, but for these three Pakistani batsmen, the door is ajar to make a significant impact in the tournament.
As the Champions Trophy approaches, all eyes will be on how these players capitalize on this opportunity.
Their performances could define their careers, especially in a high-stakes tournament where every match, particularly against arch-rivals India, is a battle for supremacy.
The absence of Jasprit Bumrah might just be the catalyst needed for these Pakistani stars to shine even brighter on the global stage.
