Former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis has expressed hope that India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah will make a full recovery for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which begins on February 19. Waqar praised Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling skills and added that he is a challenging bowler for any batsman to face.

As the Champions Trophy approaches, all eyes are on India’s 15-member squad as almost all participating teams have finalized their rosters. Fans are eagerly waiting for the news of Jasprit Bumrah joining the team. Bumrah is working hard to regain his fitness to compete in the tournament.

Ajit Agarkar’s selection committee keeping tabs on Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness

The 31-year-old pacer performed well in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, finishing as the top wicket-taker with 32 wickets at an average of 13.06. However, he suffered back spasms in the fifth and final Test in Sydney, which restricted his bowling in the second innings.

Bumrah’s stellar efforts earned him the Player of the Series award. The National Cricket Academy (NCA) is closely monitoring the injury. Therefore, he will miss India’s T20I series against England and may also miss the 50-over series. Bumrah has doubts about winning the championship trophy.

Jasprit Bumrah is not easy for any batsman to face – Waqar Younis

Speaking to the media in Abu Dhabi, Waqar Younis said that Jasprit Bumrah is a challenging bowler for any batsman. Waqar stressed the need for players like Bumrah in the cricketing world and expressed hope that Bumrah will be fully fit for the Champions Trophy.

“It will not be easy for any batsman to face him. The cricket world needs players like him and I hope he makes a full recovery for the Champions Trophy,” Waqar said, as quoted by Cricketpakistan.pk.

Jasprit Bumrah was part of the Indian team in the 2017 Champions Trophy match in England but had a tough time. The right-arm fast bowler went wicketless in both the group stage and the final against Pakistan, conceding 68 runs in nine overs in the summit clash.

I believe Dubai Cricket Stadium will be packed with fans – Waqar Younis

Talking about the high-pressure Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan on February 23, 2025, Waqar Younis said that it will be an exciting match. He also predicted that the Dubai Cricket Stadium will be packed with fans for the match.

“I am sure the Dubai Cricket Stadium will be packed with fans and we will witness an exciting match,” Waqar said.

Pakistan and India are the only teams yet to announce their Champions Trophy squad. Both teams have been drawn in Group A, along with Bangladesh and New Zealand. Pakistan, a co-host, will take on New Zealand on February 19 at the National Stadium in Karachi.

Defending champions Pakistan, who won the 2017 World Cup by beating India in the final, are aiming for a second consecutive title. Mohammad Rizwan’s side has been in strong form of late, recording series wins against Australia and South Africa.

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