The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has already created excitement among cricket fans, as the tournament is set to showcase epic battles between the world's best teams. For India, the stakes are high as they aim to win back-to-back ICC trophies, following their World Cup 2024 T20 World Cup victory. Public is New Zealand, Bangladeshand Pakistan In Group A, the tour of India promises to be an exciting encounter, and fans are eagerly awaiting the team's announcement.
India's bowling is a concern amid fitness challenges
While India's batting line-up remains strong, the fitness concerns in the bowling department have proved to be more pressing. The delay in the announcement of the Champions Trophy group has increased the opinion, especially in terms of Jasprit Bumrahavailability. The star pacer suffered a back injury during the fifth Test Australia in Sydney, raising doubts about his participation. Adding stress is Mohammed Shami'back after a year of injury hiatus, when young talent like Arshdeep Singh they are still finding their stride in ODIs.
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Navjot Singh Sidhu reveals India's bowling line-up in Champions Trophy 2025
Former cricketer and commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu recently shared his picks for India's Champions Trophy squad. Sidhu chose Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Shami, and left-arm spinner Arshdeep, emphasize their potential as 'a very successful combination.'
“Horse hunters hunt in pairs or in packs—a lone wolf is nothing more than an inactive pack. With Mohammed Siraj swinging his heart, Mohammed Shami fit, and a left-handed pacer like Arshdeep Singh in the mix, India have a big asset. Both he and Bumrah contributed to the 2024 World Cup, picking up 13 wickets each. This quartet can compel the opposition,” Sidhu wrote on X.
Hunting for runners in pairs or packs – a lone wolf is nothing but an effective pack…. I am @mdsirajofficial throwing his life away @MdShami11 suitable for a left-arm fast bowler like @arshdeepsinghh would be very useful – he and Bumrah were taking wickets after 13 deliveries…
– Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) January 15, 2025
Sidhu leading India in efficiency and delay in CT category
Sidhu expressed deep concern over Bumrah's injury, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the star's availability and how it has contributed to the delay in India's Champions Trophy squad. He said that such a delay is rare in the history of Indian cricket, especially in a tournament as prestigious as the Champions Trophy.
“25 years of ICC history – the announcement of the Champions Trophy squad for India has been delayed for the first time. The deadline of January 12 is over, the selectors & players are waiting with bated breath, 1.5 billion hearts are praying and hoping for the best, all are on Jasprit Bumrah. His name is alone defines the popularity of cricket in India, his wisdom commands respect around the world,” said Sidhu.
“However, the mystery of his injury is great. This is not just a delay; and the weight of a nation's hopes to rest on the shoulders of legends. The cricketing world stands still, waiting for Bumrah's triumphant return,” he added.
“25 years of ICC history – the announcement of the Champions Trophy squad for India has been delayed for the first time. The deadline of January 12 is over, selectors & players are waiting with bated breath, 1.5 billion hearts are praying and hoping for the best, all are on Jasprit Bumrah. His name is only… pic.twitter.com/WQn5P7kxeN
– Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) January 15, 2025