Three pacers who could replace Jasprit Bumrah in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 squad

Jasprit Bumrah did not return to the field once he left it after bowling just one over post Lunch on Day 2 of the fifth and final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Sydney on January 4 (Saturday). It was later confirmed that he had back spasms and was taken to the hospital for scans. 

In case Bumrah remains injured, which is a likely possibility given how he has bowled throughout this year without much of a break, the Indian team will be in serious trouble considering the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is just over a month away.

The team will need to scamper for replacements and will have to be smart about replacing the side's talisman. We look at three fast bowlers who could serve as potential replacements.

Mayank Yadav 

The speed merchant Mayank Yadav, who made his India debut in the T20Is against Bangladesh, is undergoing rehabilitation and is likely to be declared fit before England tours India. That series could also be a test of his and Shami’s match fitness ahead of the all-important CT 2025. 

Mayank, who clocks speeds of well over 150 with ease, could be a very useful asset thanks his pace (and variations) on Dubai wickets, especially with the older ball during dusk. He has picked 34 wickets in List-A cricket so far at an impressive average of 21.55.

Prasidh Krishna

Prasidh Krishna has shown in the Sydney Test that, if given an opportunity, he is more than capable enough to prove that call right. The Karnataka pacer has so far appeared in 17 ODIs for the Men in Blue and taken 29 wickets in them. More pertinently, he has taken 113 wickets in 67 List-A games, showcasing his wicket-taking ability. 

Vaibhav Arora 

This might be a surprise entry in the list ahead of the likes of Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed, but Vaibhav Arora has height, pace and the most importantly form by his side. With 12 wickets in five Vijay-Hazare Trophy 2024-25 matches at a strike rate of less than 22 and an average of 20.75, he might be the perfect replacement for Bumrah in India's squad.

Vaibhav has so far played 21 List-A matches in which the Himachal-born has taken 35 wickets and shown the potential of playing at the highest level.