Shikhar Dhawan played a pivotal role during India's last triumph in the Champions Trophy. In 2013, he was named the player of the tournament, amassing a total of 363 runs across five matches, contributing significantly to India's second Champions Trophy victory. Dhawan believes that India is once again a strong contender for the title this year; however, he expresses concern over the absence of fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

"I cannot overlook India. I have a great deal of confidence in them—they possess a robust team and performed admirably against England in their recent ODI series. Nevertheless, my worry lies in the fact that they will be without Jasprit Bumrah. His absence will undoubtedly be a significant loss, and it will be felt acutely," Dhawan remarked, as reported by ICC.

"In my opinion, he is the finest bowler in the world, and his precision is difficult to duplicate. Additionally, his composed demeanor is essential in a major ICC event such as this," he added.

'Keep an eye on Harshit Rana'

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced last week that Jasprit Bumrah would not participate in the tournament due to his ongoing recovery from a lower back injury sustained during an extensive five-Test series in Australia earlier this year. Harshit Rana has been appointed as his replacement.

The inclusion of Harshit Rana is generating excitement; he has the potential to make a significant impact in the tournament. His proactive attitude and willingness to embrace challenges are commendable. His recent performance in the series against England indicates that he is in excellent form. Should he capitalize on this opportunity, he could become a valuable asset for India, remarked Dhawan.

Dhawan also emphasized the strength of India's batting lineup. "There are numerous reasons to feel optimistic about India's prospects. The team boasts a well-rounded batting order that combines experience with youthful talent. Shubman Gill, in particular, has shown remarkable consistency, and I anticipate he will excel in this tournament," Dhawan stated.

"With Rohit Sharma back in form and Virat Kohli in the lineup, India presents a formidable challenge. The team performed admirably in the previous Champions Trophy, although they fell short in the final. Nevertheless, they showcased exceptional cricket, and the players are well aware of their capabilities," Dhawan added.

Read Also: Champions Trophy Launches Today: Essential Highlights - Kohli and Rohit's Likely Farewell; Pakistan's First Participation in 29 Years

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