"The bowling attack is reduced to 40-50 percent of its strength" - Mohammad Amir on Indian pacer's potential absence from Champions Trophy squad

Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir reckons India's bowling attack is reduced to 40-50 percent of its strength in lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah's absence. Praising the Indian cricketer, Amir described him as a top bowler, who leads the pack from the front.

Bumrah was the standout bowler in Australia's 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Even as India went down 3-1 in the five-match series, the right-arm pacer claimed 32 wickets at a stupendous average of 13.06, with three five-fers and two four-fers to his credit. However, he suffered from back spasms towards the end of the tour and did not bowl on the last day of the series in Sydney.

Some reports suggest that Bumrah's participation in the 2025 Champions Trophy is uncertain due to his recent fitness issues. Speaking to TimesofIndia.com during a group media interaction at the Dubai International Stadium, Amir shared his thoughts on the senior pacer's potential absence from the ICC event.

"It will be a huge loss to India if Bumrah isn't there. He has been a top bowler for India, leading the pack from the front. Without him, the Indian bowling attack is reduced to 40-50 percent of its strength," he said.

The 32-year-old also shared his views on the ICC event's marquee India vs Pakistan clash. He opined that Pakistan will have the upper hand against the Men in Blue, but added that India is his favorite in big tournaments.

"The way Pakistan has played recently — defeating Australia in Australia and then beating South Africa — shows their strength, especially in overseas conditions. Considering their recent performances, I think Pakistan will have the upper hand against India. However, India has always been my favorite in big tournaments. But the Indian team is under pressure and facing severe criticism due to their recent defeats," the left-arm pacer commented.

India will take on Pakistan in the Champions Trophy on February 23 in Dubai. The arch-rivals have been placed in Group A with Bangladesh and New Zealand.

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India's Champions Trophy squad likely to be announced on January 19

The ICC had set January 12 as the deadline for all eight participating teams to announce their provisional squads for the Champions Trophy. While Bangladesh, New Zealand, Afghanistan and England have named their preliminary squads, India, Pakistan, Australia and South Africa are yet to do the same.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla said that the Men in Blue squad for the ICC event will likely be announced by January 19. The 2025 Champions Trophy will be played from February 19 to March 9.