The Indian cricket team’s preparations for the Champions Trophy have been overshadowed by concerns about the fitness of fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Although Bumrah has been named in the Indian squad, teams can make changes to their squads until February 11, leaving a question mark over his participation. If Bumrah is ruled out, the team will need to consider alternative options to replace him.
One potential replacement is Mohammad Siraj, an experienced fast bowler who has taken 71 wickets in 44 ODIs at an average of 24.04. Despite not being initially selected for the Champions Trophy squad, Siraj could be a strong contender to join the team if Bumrah is unavailable.
Another option for Team India is Harshit Rana, who is currently playing in the three-match ODI series against England. Rana made his ODI debut in this series and has taken 4 wickets in his first 2 matches, although he has been a bit expensive. Despite his relative inexperience, Rana has shown promise and could be considered as a replacement for Bumrah.
Alternative Options
Team India may also consider other fast bowlers playing for the team in various formats. One such option is a bowler who has taken 29 wickets in 17 ODIs at an average of 25.58. With a decent ODI record, this bowler could be a good choice for the Champions Trophy squad if Bumrah is unable to participate.
The decision on Bumrah’s replacement will depend on various factors, including the team’s strategy and the performance of other players. However, with options like Siraj, Rana, and other experienced fast bowlers, Team India has a good pool of talent to choose from. The team’s management will need to weigh the pros and cons of each option and make a decision that best suits the team’s needs.
