Former England cricketer turned commentator David Lloyd 'Bumble' reckons that the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 will be challenging for India speedster Arshdeep Singh. He further explained that the ODI format isn't similar to the T20 format. With Jasprit Bumrah ruled out and Mohammed Siraj dropped from the squad, Arshdeep will be Rohit Sharma's side's main pacer alongside Mohammed Shami at the mega event in Dubai.
He also believes that India will miss Bumrah in the upcoming Champions Trophy. Bumrah who was the highest wicket-taker in Australia during Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has been ruled out of the mega event as he was not fit for the selection.
“You are going to miss him (Bumrah),” Lloyd told TalkSPORT.
“You can't get away from the fact that the best bowler in the world isn't playing, then you've got a problem.”
Bumrah played an important role in India's T20 World Cup win last year, the speedster was unplayable as he picked up 15 wickets in 8 matches at an incredible economy rate of 4.17. He suffered back spasms in Australia during five Test match series last month.
Lloyd on Arshdeep Singh
The upcoming Champions Trophy will be Arshdeep's first ICC ODI tournament. He made his ODI debut in 2022 against New Zealand. Arshdeep has played nine ODIs where he picked up 14 wickets.
"If you are the opposition, test him out, really get into him.
"This is not T20, this 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,” said Lloyd.
Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to start from February 19 and Team India will start their campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh.