'We are not focused on Bumrah, our plan is for the whole team'
Shanto was asked how much of a relief it is to not face Bumrah, who is known for his deadly deliveries in the death overs.
Jasprit Bumrah has claimed both the ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year and Test Cricketer of the Year awards for 2024. A master of bowling magic, he has consistently outfoxed batters and taken wickets with ease. Yet, India will be without their star pacer in the Champions Trophy.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that Bumrah, struggling with injury, will miss the tournament. As a result, India have been forced to make a last-minute squad change. Coincidentally, India find themselves in the same Champions Trophy group as Bangladesh. Najmul Hossain Shanto's team will begin their campaign against India on 20 February in Dubai.
At a press conference in Mirpur today, Shanto was asked how much of a relief it is to not face Bumrah, who is known for his deadly deliveries in the death overs. The Bangladesh captain responded, "No. Every team has players capable of winning matches. Of course, each team has its own X-factor. He (Bumrah) is undoubtedly a great bowler. But we do not want to focus on a single player. Our planning revolves around the entire team—how to handle certain bowlers and how to counter them."
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The eight teams competing in this year's Champions Trophy are the same ones that finished in the top eight of the league stage at the 2023 ODI World Cup. Bangladesh are in Group A alongside arch-rivals India and Pakistan, as well as New Zealand. Group B consists of England, Australia, Afghanistan, and South Africa. According to Shanto, every team in the tournament is capable of lifting the trophy. The Bangladesh captain said, "All eight teams here have the potential to be champions. Every team is of high quality. I firmly believe we have the ability as well. I don't think anyone feels extra pressure—everyone wholeheartedly wants this and believes in our capability."
The 11th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) concluded on 7 February. However, with the Champions Trophy fast approaching, Shanto, Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim, and the rest of the squad cannot afford to sit idle. The Bangladesh team has been training regularly in Mirpur ahead of the ICC event. Shanto said, "We do not know what destiny has in store for us. But we are working with honesty and putting in the hard work. Everyone believes we can achieve our goal."
