Aakash Chopra says Jasprit Bumrah’s absence for Champions Trophy group stage will be a massive blow

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes Jasprit Bumrah’s potential absence from Champions Trophy group stage will be a massive blow to the team. Bumrah is expected to miss the group stage because of a back injury.

The Indian gun fast bowler suffered a back injury in the fifth Test against Australia at Sydney and didn’t bowl in the second innings after the visitors had set a target of 162 for the hosts.

Bumrah is in stellar form as he bagged 32 wickets in five Test matches against the Aussies at an unbelievable average of 13.06. The ace pacer is currently the best fast bowler across formats and his absence will be a huge blow for the team.

“It is being said that Jasprit Bumrah won’t be available for the first half of the Champions Trophy, which means he won’t be available for the matches against Bangladesh, New Zealand and Pakistan, and that is a massive blow,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

Chopra noted that no bowler can fill in Jasprit Bumrah’s big shoes.

“You will have to look at it from multiple perspectives. Firstly, no one can replace Jasprit Bumrah. You will need two bowlers to replace one bowler, which is not possible. Secondly, when you talk about the February month in Dubai, the ball is going to swing,” he observed.

The renowned commentator expects the UAE pitches to offer help to the bowlers and added that Bumrah’s absence would weaken India’s bowling battery.

“There will be slight help for the bowlers on those pitches. We might not see high-scoring 350-run matches as the pitches won’t be like that. So when you have to play a different template of cricket, you need firepower in fast bowling, and if you remove the biggest Bhramastra from that firepower, the quiver will seem empty, and he will be missed a lot,” Chopra elaborated.

Chopra added that he is hoping Bumrah recovers in time and he should be available for the knockout stages.

“He might be available in the second half but India have to reach the second half. Bumrah will only be of help if you reach the semi-final. Now I am keeping my fingers crossed. I am just hoping for Indian cricket. I really want Bumrah to be available and fit, and rearing to go,” he said.

India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on 20th February in Dubai.