3 questions that India answered before Champions Trophy 2025

2. Jasprit Bumrah's replacement:

India opted for young pacer Harshit Rana as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement for the upcoming competition, a decision that grabbed eyeballs and triggered the question of whether he is a good replacement. While many expected Mohammed Siraj to come in, the selectors backed Rana, who featured in all three ODIs against England following Bumrah’s injury confirmation.

Despite conceding runs at times, the Delhi speedster impressed with six wickets at an average of 24.33, making him India’s most successful pacer in the series. His ability to bounce back was evident when he dismissed three batters after being taken for 26 runs in an over by Phil Salt on debut. With Rana likely to partner either Mohammed Shami or Arshdeep Singh, India has shown faith in its new pace attack. 

1. Indian pacers hunt in pack

One big positive for India ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is the performance of their fast bowlers in the recently concluded ODI series against England. Despite Jasprit Bumrah being sidelined due to injury, the other pacers stepped up, claiming 13 wickets across three matches.

Debutant Harshit Rana made an immediate impact, picking up six wickets in three games. Veteran Mohammed Shami took two wickets, while Arshdeep Singh, who played the final ODI, also bagged two scalps. Hardik Pandya contributed with three crucial wickets, proving his all-round abilities.

With India's matches scheduled to be played in Dubai, these performances are impressive. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has favoured fast bowlers, with pacers taking 466 wickets in 58 ODIs at an average of 28.6. In the recent ILT20 tournament, eight of the top ten wicket-takers at the venue were pacers.