India's Champions Trophy Squad: Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami Issues Ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy

India is just two weeks away from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, but team India appears to be saddled with serious fitness and form issues to three frontline pacers. Three frontline pacers make the cut: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Arshdeep Singh. Former cricketer and analyst Aakash Chopra feels that India's squad composition does not seem to be right, and changes could be in store before the tournament starts.

Bumrah's Fitness Concerns Continue to Linger

Jasprit Bumrah is one of the most reliable Indian fast bowlers, who went out of action due to an injury in the back during the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. As soon as his injury was diagnosed, chief selector Ajit Agarkar reported that Bumrah was prescribed five weeks of complete rest before he could make a comeback, but the return news has been quite disappointing so far.

Chopra, speaking about the team's preparation on his YouTube channel said, "I am not hearing great news about Bumrah's fitness", he said adding that he could not speculate beyond that. The big worry if Bumrah does not gain match fitness back is that he would leave an enormous hole in India's attack.

Mohammed Shami's Rusty Return Raises Concerns

Though injury has been the primary issue, Mohammad Shami has also had to face concerns in terms of consistency when he made his return to international cricket. He is an integral member of India's fast bowling group since many years but failed to deliver consistency for India.

His return in the third T20I was far from impressive, as he returned wicket-less with the numbers 0/25 in three overs, but in fifth T20I, Chopra says Shami gave some very distinct hints of his old self when he took three wickets but his inconsistency over the overs, taking away 35 runs in just 2.3 overs mostly based on error has definitely left many in a question mark regarding his physical and technical being at his best.

"Four fast bowlers should have definitely been there in the Champions Trophy squad because what we have seen of Mohammed Shami so far, he did take three wickets in the last match and bowled decently, but he is far from ready," Chopra stated, emphasizing the need for additional pace options.

India's Squad Composition Raises Questions

The decision to pick only three fast bowlers—Bumrah, Shami, and Arshdeep Singh—has raised eyebrows. Instead of strengthening the pace department, India opted for four spin options, which could be risky given the uncertain status of their lead pacers.

Harshit Rana was added as an injury cover for Bumrah for the first two ODIs against England but was left out of the final Champions Trophy squad. However, the other major omission is that of Mohammed Siraj, who has been a regular in India's white-ball fast bowling team.

Even though he is left out, Chopra feels that Siraj still has a great opportunity to find his way back into the team before the tournament starts. "I feel a fast bowler will get added. In whose place, we shall find out. I feel Siraj will go to the Champions Trophy," Chopra predicted, indicating that changes may come at the last minute.

Squad Changes On The Cards?

India's team management seems to be keeping all its options open as the tournament approaches. One such indication could be when the in-form mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy was added to the ODI squad against England. This late addition suggests that selectors are still fine-tuning their squad based on performances and fitness updates.

If Bumrah doesn't make it in time or Shami does not find his form, a replacement might be on the cards. Given that fast bowling plays a big role in English conditions, the team might bring in a pacer who is better equipped to handle the tournament.

The Road Ahead for India

It would be only a few days until the Champions Trophy, and thus the final shape of India's squad is far from certain. The team badly needs an update on Bumrah's fitness, and it will be almost impossible to look beyond him now. Shami's form also needs to be closely watched: India cannot head into the tournament with an untrustworthy pace attack.

The door is still open for adding a fourth pacer, and Siraj might be the beneficiary if there are any changes. The selectors and team management will hope for a speedy recovery for Bumrah and a sharp return to form for Shami. If that does not happen, India might have to make a late change, which could alter the course of their Champions Trophy campaign even before it has started.