The Champions Trophy is scheduled to start from February 19 and there is uncertainty looming over Jasprit Bumrah’s participation. Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed serious concern that if Jasprit Bumrah does not play then India will have the weakest pace attack.
Speaking on his YouTube channel Aakash Chopra said that not even single fast bowler has been the best recently. India will be giving the final verdict on February 11 which is also the final day to make adjustments in the squad.
Mohammed Shami Still Not In His Top Form
“Mohammed Shami has still not hit top gear after his comeback. He has suffered a drop in pace,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“The thing about pace is it works differently for different bowlers. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is an outstanding bowler at 132 km/h. But if Mohammed Shami delivers at 132 km/h, he is not the same bowler,” Chopra said. “At that speed, he looks a little below his best, especially his penetration. He bowls best at 137-138 km/h,” Chopra added.
Harshit Rana’s Lack Of Experience
“The problem with Harshit Rana is that he is expensive. His lack of experience is clear as day. The pitch at Cuttack required you to bowl good length, at the stumps, but he wasn’t able to do so. He was bowling short and further away from the stumps. He had to be taken off by the captain after three overs. But the good thing with him is that he bowls well with the older ball with his hit-the-deck style,” Chopra stated.
India To Take Final Call On Jasprit Bumrah’s Participation
India will take a very important decision about Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the Champions Trophy by February 11. The last date for the final squads submission is nearing the deadline set by the ICC. He is yet to recover completely from his injury and the fitness doubt still remains there, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Champions Trophy: India’s Schedule
India is placed in Group A of the Champions Trophy, with the likes of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand. As India is unlikely to travel to Pakistan, the matches for India will be hosted in Dubai. The campaign for India starts on February 20 against Bangladesh, then Pakistan on February 23, and New Zealand on March 2.
