Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh discussed how the absence of Jasprit Bumrah would impact India’s chances in the upcoming Champions Trophy.
India demonstrated their strength by completing a 3-0 ODI series victory over England without their key bowler Bumrah.
The BCCI announced Bumrah’s withdrawal from the Champions Trophy one week before the tournament due to a lower back injury, despite his efforts to regain fitness in time.
“I still believe India is the favourite in the Champions Trophy. Bumrah is a big force, who can win matches. Even without Bumrah, there are a lot of experienced players like Arshdeep, Shami, Kuldeep and Jadeja. India is the favourite, but they have to play like the favourites,” Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.
In Bumrah’s absence, the responsibility of securing crucial wickets falls on Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana.
India’s batting lineup has shown improved form following their Test struggles in Australia. During the recent ODI series against England at home, the batters displayed impressive performances.
Captain Rohit Sharma scored a century in the second ODI, while Virat Kohli found his rhythm with a fifty in the final match. Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer also contributed with consistent runs.
“I call India a favourite because of its capability. Rohit is back in form, Virat has scored runs, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer keep on scoring runs. So batting and bowling departments are performing well. I think Bumrah’s absence will be felt in the last couple of overs when the opposition will need a few runs with just two or three wickets in hand. But I think if you want to win the tournament, you should learn to play without Bumrah,” he added.
India will start their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai.
