The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be held from February 19 to March 9, is already facing the harsh reality of injuries sidelining key players from various teams.
With the tournament being held at the fag end of a long season, several teams are missing key players.
Here’s a look at five big players who will be absent from the Champions Trophy due to injury:
1. Jasprit Bumrah (India):
Bumrah’s absence significantly weakens India’s pace bowling attack. His ability to bowl yorkers at will, combined with his deceptive slower balls and pinpoint accuracy, makes him a nightmare for batsmen in all phases of the game.
Besides his bowling prowess, Bumrah also provides leadership and experience to the Indian pace attack. His guidance will be missed by the younger bowlers in the squad.
Bumrah’s absence limits the Indian captain’s tactical options. He is a bowler who can be relied upon to deliver in pressure situations, and his absence forces the captain to rethink his strategy.
Harshit Rana has been named as Bumrah’s replacement. While Rana is a promising young bowler, he lacks the experience and pedigree of Bumrah.
2. Pat Cummins (Australia):
Cummins’ absence leaves a leadership void in the Australian team. While Steve Smith is an experienced campaigner and a capable replacement captain, Cummins’ tactical acumen and on-field presence will be missed.
Cummins is a key member of Australia’s pace attack, known for his accuracy, bounce, and ability to bowl long spells. His absence weakens their bowling arsenal.
Steve Smith will assume the captaincy in Cummins’ absence. There is no direct bowling replacement named as of now.
3. Josh Hazlewood (Australia):
Hazlewood’s absence further depletes Australia’s pace bowling resources. He is known for his accuracy, consistency, and ability to extract bounce and seam movement from the pitch.
Hazlewood brings a wealth of experience and control to the Australian attack. His ability to bowl tight lines and lengths makes him difficult to score against.
The absence of both Cummins and Hazlewood disrupts the established partnership in the Australian pace attack, forcing the other bowlers to step up and take on more responsibility.
Ben Dwarshuis is a potential candidate to fill Hazlewood’s void.
4. Mitchell Marsh (Australia):
Marsh’s absence disrupts the balance of the Australian team. He provides a valuable all-round option, capable of contributing with both bat and ball.
Marsh is a powerful striker of the ball and adds firepower to the Australian middle order. His absence weakens their batting depth.
Marsh provides valuable bowling cover, allowing the captain to rotate his bowlers and maintain the pressure on the opposition.
It remains to be seen who Australia will choose to replace Marsh. The replacement would most likely be an all-rounder to maintain the team balance.
5. Saim Ayub (Pakistan):
Ayub’s absence creates uncertainty at the top of the Pakistani batting order. The Champions Trophy would have been a valuable opportunity for Ayub to showcase his talent on the international stage and cement his place in the Pakistani team.
Ayub’s injury requires the team management to rethink their team combination, potentially altering the batting lineup.
