The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is set to showcase the world’s top cricketing nations. However, several prominent players will be absent due to injuries, impacting their respective teams’ strategies and prospects. Here’s a look at the key players sidelined for this tournament:
1. Jasprit Bumrah (India)
India’s premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, has been ruled out due to a lower back injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Known for his lethal yorkers and death-over expertise, Bumrah’s absence leaves a significant void in India’s bowling attack. Harshit Rana has been named as his replacement.
2. Pat Cummins (Australia)
Australian captain and spearhead Pat Cummins is sidelined with an ankle injury. His leadership and pace bowling prowess will be missed, compelling Australia to adjust both their attack and on-field strategies.
3. Josh Hazlewood (Australia)
Consistent performer Josh Hazlewood is out with a hip problem. His precise line and length have been crucial for Australia in containing runs and taking wickets, making his absence a significant setback.
4. Mitchell Marsh (Australia)
All-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out due to a back injury. His dual role as a middle-order batsman and medium-pace bowler provided balance to the Australian side, necessitating strategic adjustments in both departments.
5. Anrich Nortje (South Africa)
South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been forced out due to a back injury. His express pace and wicket-taking ability were vital to South Africa’s bowling unit. Corbin Bosch has been named as his replacement.
6. Ben Sears (New Zealand)
New Zealand’s promising fast bowler Ben Sears is ruled out with a hamstring injury. His pace and bounce would have added depth to the Kiwi attack. Jacob Duffy has been called up as his replacement.
7. Allah Ghazanfar (Afghanistan)
Afghanistan’s young spinner AM Ghazanfar is out due to a fractured vertebra. His spin variations could have been a valuable asset on subcontinental pitches. Nangyal Kharoti replaces him in the squad.
8. Saim Ayub (Pakistan)
Pakistan’s emerging batting talent Saim Ayub misses out due to an ankle injury. His aggressive style at the top order will be missed, potentially impacting Pakistan’s batting dynamics.
9. Gerald Coetzee (South African)
South African fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a groin injury. The injury occurred during a training session at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria, where Coetzee experienced tightness in his groin while bowling. His absence further depletes South Africa’s fast bowling resources, posing a significant challenge to their campaign.
10. Jacob Bethell (England)
England’s young all-rounder Jacob Bethell has been sidelined from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 owing to a left hamstring injury. Bethell sustained the injury during the first ODI against India in Nagpur, where he impressed with a well-compiled half-century. His dynamic batting and bowling capabilities will be missed, and England has called up Tom Banton as his replacement.
These absences due to injuries has led teams to rethink their strategies and bring in replacements, aiming to fill the voids left by these key players. The tournament promises to be an exciting contest as teams adapt and new talents emerge on the global stage.
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