In Jasprit Bumrah's absence, the onus of India's bowling unit will rest on the shoulders of Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh. The gruesome back injury which Jasprit Bumrah picked during Sydney Test against Australia, ruled him out of the Champions Trophy 2025 which is set to commence from February 19.
Meanwhile, former English all-rounder David Lloyd wants the opposition teams to make the most of Bumrah's absence in India's squad and target Arshdeep Singh in the Champions Trophy. While Arshdeep has been a mainstay in India's T20I side, Champions Trophy marks his first 50-over ICC event. With Mohammed Shami returning to the fold after a long injury layoff and Harshit Rana being the only other pace option, the pressure will be on Arshdeep's shoulders.
David Lloyd wants opponent teams to test Arshdeep Singh in Champions Trophy
Lloyd suggests that Arshdeep's lack of ODI experience makes him a potential target for opposing batsmen. While talking about the contrast nature of cricket in T20Is and ODIs, Lloyd talked about the need for Arshdeep to adapt quickly to the longer format.
“You are going to miss him (Bumrah). You can't get away from the fact that the best bowler in the world isn't playing, then you've got a problem," Lloyd said while speaking on TalkSPORT.
"If you are the opposition, test him out, really get into Arshdeep. This is not T20, this is not a little party, you've got to come back and come back again and that is something he won't be used to. If you are the opposition, you try and play on that, let's see what he's got," Lloyd further added.
Arshdeep Singh has been a force to reckon with since his arrival in international cricket and over the time he has proved his bowling prowess. He has also displayed his capabilities in List A cricket, taking 55 wickets in 33 matches with a commendable economy rate of five. His recent performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy was also commendable, where he emerged as the highest wicket-taker with 20 wickets in seven matches at an average of 18.25.
Despite Arshdeep's strong domestic record, the Indian team management faces a challenge with Hardik Pandya's fitness. They are taking a risk on his ability to perform as the crucial third seamer, supporting Shami and either Arshdeep or Rana. Arshdeep also brings experience of Dubai conditions, having played five T20Is there and taken five wickets. Arshdeep was India's leading wicket-taker in their title triumph in T20 World Cup, but Champions Trophy will be a different ball game for the young gun.
India’s updated squad for ICC Champions Trophy:
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Non Travelling substitutes: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj and Shivam Dube. The three players will travel to Dubai as and when required.