Former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis is hopeful of witnessing a fully fit Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming Champions Trophy. According to latest reports, Bumrah is expected to miss the group stage of the marquee tournament.

Bumrah has been in prime form in the recent past as he bagged 32 wickets in five Test matches at a stellar average of 13.06 against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar trophy. Ergo, Bumrah was awarded Player of the Match for his exemplary performance against the Aussies.

Bumrah has bagged the ICC Test Player for the Month of December for his consistent performances. Meanwhile, there is no denying the fact that Bumrah is currently the best fast bowler across formats. 

Bumrah also scalped 20 wickets in 11 matches of the ODI World Cup 2023 at an impressive average of 18.65. Furthermore, Bumrah had snared 15 wickets in eight matches of the T20 World Cup 2024 at a splendid average of 8.27 and thus played an instrumental role in taking India to glory.

Waqar Younis said as quoted by Cricketpakistan.pk, “He is not easy for any batter to face. The cricketing world needs players like him, and I hope he will be fully fit by the Champions Trophy.”

Meanwhile, India and Pakistan will take on each other in the group stage of the Champions Trophy on February 23 in Dubai and Younis expects a thrilling contest between the two arch rivals.

“I am confident the Dubai Cricket Stadium will be packed with fans, and we will witness a thrilling contest.”

India will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 20th February.