Former England pacer draws a striking comparison between Bumrah and football legend Ronaldo
Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison has likened India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah to football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, emphasizing his irreplaceable value to the Indian cricket team.
Harmison stated that missing Bumrah in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy would be equivalent to a FIFA World Cup without Ronaldo in his prime, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Bumrah’s Injury Concerns and Champions Trophy Participation
Due to back swelling, Bumrah, who played a crucial role in India’s recent Test series against Australia, is likely to miss the group stage of the Champions Trophy.
However, Harmison strongly believes that India should retain him in the squad with the hope of his recovery before the knockout rounds.
“He’s Jasprit Bumrah. You can’t replace Jasprit Bumrah anytime,” Harmison said in an interview with TalkSport Cricket.
“I would even wait until the morning of the final if needed. He’s the best in the world, and India should do everything possible to have him available.”
The Ronaldo Comparison and India’s Strategy
The former England pacer compared Bumrah’s potential absence to a football World Cup without one of the greatest strikers in history
“It’s like going to a football World Cup without your best forward, Cristiano Ronaldo. Fifteen years ago, no team would replace Ronaldo unless absolutely necessary. That’s how India should approach Bumrah’s situation.”
Harmison even joked that India might as well “carry him around in a sedan chair” during the tournament, hoping he recovers by the semifinals or finals.
“A 14-man squad is enough to get through the group stages. If Bumrah isn’t fit, he can be replaced at the last moment in case of another injury. But he’s Jasprit Bumrah.”
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