By Smrati Khare 19 hours ago
If you’re a die-hard cricket fan, you probably already know why Jasprit Bumrah is not playing in today’s Champions Trophy 2025 match. However, for those who might have missed the updates, here’s a quick rundown on why India’s pace spearhead is sitting out and how the team is adjusting in his absence.
Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for India’s final Group A match against New Zealand as part of the team’s rotation policy. Having already secured a semi-final spot, India has decided to manage Bumrah’s workload and keep him fresh for the knockout stage.
The management wants to ensure that Bumrah is at peak fitness for the high-stakes semi-final and potentially the final, rather than risking fatigue or injury in a game that doesn’t significantly impact India’s qualification.
Bumrah has been outstanding in the tournament, leading India’s pace attack with precision and skill. Here’s a quick look at his Champions Trophy 2025 performance so far:
Vs Bangladesh – 2 wickets, economy under 4.5
Vs Pakistan – 3 wickets, crucial breakthroughs
With five wickets in two games, Bumrah has been lethal with the new ball and in the death overs. His ability to extract bounce and movement on Dubai’s tracks has been a major factor in India’s dominant bowling performances so far.
With Bumrah being rested, India has made adjustments to its bowling attack to maintain balance and effectiveness.
India’s Playing XI Without Bumrah:
Pace Attack: Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya
Spin Attack: Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel
Extra Bowler: Varun Chakravarthy
To counter New Zealand’s batting strength, India has brought in mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy. His ability to trouble batters with variations could be crucial, especially in Dubai’s dry conditions.
Shami’s Experience: Mohammed Shami will take charge of the pace attack, using his seam movement to trouble New Zealand’s top order.
Spin Trio in Action: Jadeja, Kuldeep, and Axar will play a key role in controlling the middle overs.
Hardik’s Overs Key: Hardik Pandya’s ability to provide breakthroughs with the ball will be crucial in Bumrah’s absence.
Bumrah is fully fit and will be back for India’s semi-final clash, scheduled for March 6 in Dubai. The management has no injury concerns, and this rest is purely a strategic decision to keep him fresh for the knockouts.
So, if you tuned in today and wondered “Where is Jasprit Bumrah?”, now you know – he’s resting, not missing out due to injury. India is taking a cautious approach, ensuring that their strike bowler is ready to fire on all cylinders in the semi-final.
India’s bowling attack still looks solid without Bumrah, but his return for the knockouts will be a huge boost as the team eyes its first ICC trophy since 2013.
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