India’s Bowling Weakened? Imrul Kayes Believes Bumrah’s Absence Gives Bangladesh a Boost
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 set to begin, Bangladesh’s former opener Imrul Kayes believes that Jasprit Bumrah’s absence gives his team a rare opportunity to exploit India’s pace attack when the two sides clash in their opening game on February 20 in Dubai.
Despite India entering the match as overwhelming favorites, Kayes feels that without their spearhead pacer, Bangladesh has a better chance to challenge India’s bowling attack, which will now rely on a rusty Mohammed Shami, along with Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh.
“India is a strong side with a great bowling attack and batting lineup. But Bumrah is not in the squad. We all know what he has done in the last two years for Indian cricket. His absence gives Bangladesh a chance to capitalize,”
Kayes told PTI Videos.
Can Bangladesh capitalize on this rare opening, or will India’s depth prove too strong?
Bumrah’s Absence: A Big Relief for Bangladesh?
Jasprit Bumrah has been one of the most lethal bowlers in world cricket, with his ability to:
✅ Bowl yorkers at will
✅ Control the game in the death overs
✅ Swing the new ball and trouble top-order batters
His injury during the Sydney Test against Australia ruled him out of the Champions Trophy, leaving India with an unsettled pace attack.
While Mohammed Shami returns to lead the bowling lineup, there are concerns about:
⚠️ Shami’s match fitness – He has been struggling with injuries and lack of recent game time.
⚠️ Harshit Rana’s inexperience – The young pacer has shown promise but will face immense pressure on the global stage.
⚠️ Arshdeep Singh’s adaptability in ODIs – While a proven performer in T20s, he still needs to prove himself in longer formats.
Kayes acknowledged Shami’s potential but pointed out that he is still finding his rhythm.
“Shami’s inclusion is big. He may be struggling a bit with fitness right now, but if he finds his rhythm, he will be a big threat for Bangladesh,” he noted.
With India’s pace attack looking slightly vulnerable, Bangladesh sees a window of opportunity to put them under pressure.
Bangladesh’s Own Challenges: No Shakib Al Hasan, No Litton Das in Form
While Bumrah’s absence is a boost for Bangladesh, they also have their own setbacks heading into the Champions Trophy.
1. Missing Veteran Shakib Al Hasan
Arguably Bangladesh’s greatest all-rounder, Shakib’s unavailability leaves a major void in both the batting and bowling departments.
“I definitely miss Shakib because he is a very good player. His impact on any match is immense,” Kayes admitted.
2. Litton Das’s Poor Form
🚨 Litton Das, once Bangladesh’s most reliable batter, has been out of form. While he showed glimpses of a comeback in the BPL (Bangladesh Premier League), Soumya Sarkar and Tanzid Tamim have outperformed him recently.
“Litton’s form was a big concern for the team. But in the last few BPL matches, he did score some runs. However, Soumya Sarkar and Tanzid Tamim have performed better, and I think the team is in good shape in that department,” Kayes said.
3. Can Mehidy Hasan Miraz Fill the Shakib Gap?
With Shakib out, all eyes are now on vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who is expected to step up as Bangladesh’s premier all-rounder.
“If you see Mehidy Hasan, his courage is amazing. His character shows he is a champion player. He doesn’t care about anybody; he always believes, ‘I will do it.'”
Mehidy’s versatility will be crucial for Bangladesh:
✅ Can bat anywhere in the order – Opened in the 2018 Asia Cup final against India.
✅ Can provide crucial breakthroughs with the ball – But is a right-arm spinner, unlike Shakib’s left-arm option.
Kayes admitted that Shakib’s absence in the bowling attack would be felt, as he brought a unique impact that Bangladesh lacks now.
“The impact he creates with his bowling is invaluable for our team,” he emphasized.
India vs Bangladesh: Who Holds the Edge?
🔵 India’s Strengths:
✅ Batting Firepower: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya give India a superior lineup.
✅ Spin Attack: Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav can dismantle Bangladesh’s middle order on UAE pitches.
✅ Big Match Experience: India has consistently dominated Bangladesh in ICC tournaments.
🔴 Bangladesh’s Opportunities:
✅ Can target India’s pace attack in Bumrah’s absence.
✅ Have experienced all-rounders in Mehidy Hasan and Mahmudullah.
✅ Spin-friendly UAE conditions could favor their bowlers.
Despite these potential advantages for Bangladesh, India remains the stronger team on paper. However, in one-day cricket, anything can happen, and Bangladesh has a history of troubling India in major tournaments.
India’s Champions Trophy Group Stage Schedule
📅 February 20 – India vs Bangladesh (Dubai)
📅 February 23 – India vs Pakistan (Dubai)
📅 March 2 – India vs New Zealand (Dubai)
With a high-pressure India vs Pakistan clash looming, India will want to make a strong statement in their opening game against Bangladesh.
Will Bangladesh Take Advantage of Bumrah’s Absence?
While Imrul Kayes believes Bangladesh has a better chance with Bumrah out, the real question is:
🤔 Can Bangladesh’s batters exploit India’s weakened pace attack?
🤔 Will India’s spinners dominate on slow Dubai pitches?
🤔 Can Mehidy Hasan step up in Shakib’s absence?
One thing is certain—Bangladesh cannot afford to waste this opportunity. If they want to cause an upset, this is their moment.
🏏🔥 India vs Bangladesh – Who will draw first blood in the Champions Trophy 2025? Stay tuned! 🔥🏏
