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With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 just round the corner, several cricketing buffs have picked their favourites to lift the title. With many of them picking India, veteran batter Imrul Kayes made a bold statement when he addressed that Bangladesh have a good chance of beating India. It is to be noted that Rohit Sharma and Co. will kick off their campaign in a Group A clash against Bangladesh on February 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
The statement from Kayes came seeing star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah miss out the tournament after sustaining a back injury. The 31-year-old was forced to leave the field during the Sydney Test of BGT 2024-25 and was then informed of off-loading before reporting at NCA for scans. Afterwards, BCCI confirmed Bumrah’s absence while announcing Harshit Rana as his replacement.
Bumrah’s absence gives Bangladesh a chance: Imrul Kayes
The veteran batter although admitted that India is a strong side, but added that Bumrah’s absence will make a massive difference. "India is a strong side with a great bowling attack and batting lineup. But Bumrah is not in the squad. We all know what he has done in the last two years for Indian cricket. His absence gives Bangladesh a chance to capitalise," Kayes told PTI.
The 38-year-old Bangladesh batter, who was axed by the selectors in 2011, also spoke of Shakib Al Hasan’s absence. Shakib, who has been a veteran of the game was not picked in the squad for the marquee tournament.
"I definitely miss Shakib because he is a very good player. His impact on any match is immense. At the moment, Bangladesh is struggling. They are struggling because if Shakib is not playing, Bangladesh might play an additional spinner. That's the main problem,” Kayes added.
