AHMEDABAD: Jasprit Bumrah’s absence from India’s Champions Trophy team will be an opportunity for “world-class” Moh­a­mmed Shami and other fast bowlers, coach Gautam Gambhir said on Wedn­esday.

Bumrah was ruled out of the 50-over tournament in a big blow to India’s chances of landing the title.

India, ranked number one in ODIs, hammered England by 142 runs in the final match to sweep the series 3-0.

But Bumrah’s lower back injury remained the talking point after India’s triumph in Ahmedabad.

“If he’s injured, he’s injured, whether it’s me, whether it’s the captain, we can’t do much about it,” Gambhir told reporters.

“Obviously, we know that he’s an important factor. But as I mentioned, people like Harshit [Rana], Arshdeep [Singh], Moham­med Shami, all these guys will put their hand up. It’s a great opportunity for them to try and deliver for the country.”

Fast bowler Harshit Ra­na was handed his ODI debut at the start of the series and he claimed six wickets in the three matches.

Arshdeep Singh claimed two wickets in the only outing in the final match.

But it is Shami’s return at the start of the white-ball series that has boosted India’s morale ahead of the Champions Trophy.

“Look, it’s always good to have a world-class bowler back,” said Gambhir.

“With his experience, with his quality, we all know what he can do with the ball in his hand.

“Hopefully, he’s going to be fresh and ready to go in the Champions Trophy.”

Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2025