Lahore: As the much-anticipated Champions Trophy clash between India and Pakistan draws closer, Pakistan’s interim head coach, Aaqib Javed, has downplayed the threat posed by India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah. Despite Bumrah's formidable reputation, Javed is maintaining a focus on his team's collective strength rather than worrying about any one player, including the star pacer.

In a recent media interaction, Javed stated that Pakistan is not overly concerned about Bumrah's potential impact on the game. "They should be worried about Bumrah's fitness. When you play Champions Trophy, the most beautiful thing about it is you can't take any team lightly. The top eight best teams are playing. If any team has a bowler like Bumrah, it is a plus point. But it is not like we will plan everything around him," Javed told reporters. 

Jasprit Bumrah has been in the spotlight ever since his exceptional performances in 2024, where he became the leading wicket-taker in international cricket with 86 wickets across 21 matches, including four four-wicket hauls and five five-wicket hauls. His consistency and match-winning ability, particularly in Test cricket, have made him a key figure in India’s squad. However, his fitness has been a concern for some time. After struggling with back spasms and missing India’s second innings in the final Test against Australia, Bumrah's participation in the Champions Trophy has remained uncertain.

Despite these fitness concerns, Bumrah was named in India’s 15-player squad for the Champions Trophy, and India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, provided an update on his condition. “Jasprit, obviously, we're waiting on some update about his scan, which is due to happen in the next few days,” Sharma said. The results of his scan will determine whether Bumrah will be ready to feature in the tournament. 

"We're just waiting on that update, which is going to happen in the next few days, the scan. Then, probably, we'll have a little more clarity about his participation in the last ODI," he added.

In Tests, the Indian pace spearhead enjoyed one of the most fruitful calendar years by a bowler, with 71 scalps in 13 matches at an average of 14.92, with five five-wicket hauls and best figures of 6/45, delivering fantastic spells home and away alike. 
(with ANI inputs)