Former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis has expressed hope that Indian ace Jasprit Bumrah will be fully fit for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to begin on February 19. Waqar praised Jasprit Bumrah for his bowling skills, adding that he is a challenging bowler. for any batter to be faced.
With the Champions Trophy looming, all eyes are on the 15-member squad for Team India as almost all the participating teams have finalized their rosters. Fans are eagerly waiting for the confirmation of Jasprit Bumrah's inclusion in the squad. Bumrah is working hard to regain his fitness in time for the tournament.
Ajit Agarkar's selection committee is closely monitoring Jasprit Bumrah's fitness
The 31-year-old pacer had an outstanding performance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, finishing the series as the top wicket-taker with 32 wickets at an average of 13.06. However, he suffered back spasms during the fifth and final Test in Sydney, which limited his bowling in the second innings.
Bumrah's exceptional efforts earned him the Player of the Series award. The injury is being closely monitored by the National Cricket Academy (NCA). As a result, he will miss India's T20I series against England and probably the 50-over series as well. Bumrah is highly doubtful for the Champions Trophy.
Jasprit Bumrah is not easy to face for any batter – Waqar Younis
Speaking to the media in Abu Dhabi, Waqar Younis said that Jasprit Bumrah is a challenging bowler for any batsman. Waqar emphasized that players like Bumrah are needed in the world of cricket and expressed hope that Bumrah will be fully fit for the Champions Trophy.
“It is not easy for any batsman to face. The cricketing world needs players like him and I hope he will be fully fit for the Champions Trophy,” Waqar was quoted as saying by Cricketpakistan.pk.
Jasprit Bumrah was part of India's squad for the Champions Trophy 2017 held in England but had a tough tournament. The right-arm fast bowler went wicketless in both the group stage match and the final against Pakistan, conceding 68 runs in nine overs during the summit clash.
I am confident that the Dubai Cricket Stadium will be full of fans – Waqar Younis
Talking about the high tension India vs Pakistan match on February 23, 2025 in the Champions Trophy, Waqar Younis said that it will be an interesting contest. He also predicted that the Dubai Cricket Stadium will be full of fans for the clash.
“I am confident that the Dubai Cricket Stadium will be full of fans and we will witness a thrilling contest,” said Waqar.
Pakistan and India are the only teams yet to announce their squads for the Champions Trophy. Both teams are placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh and New Zealand. Pakistan, as co-hosts, will begin the tour on February 19 against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi.
Defending champions Pakistan won the 2017 edition by defeating India in the final and will be chasing a second consecutive title. Mohammad Rizwan's side have been in strong form recently, securing series wins against Australia and South Africa.
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