Former England star compares this Indian cricketer with football legend Cristiano Ronaldo

Former England speedster Steve Harmison has compared Indian fast bowling sensation Jasprit Bumrah to football legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

According to Harmison, Bumrah missing the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, would be like a football World Cup without Cristiano Ronaldo.

“He’s Jasprit Bumrah. For me, you can’t replace Jasprit Bumrah anytime. And I mean, I would even go up to the morning of the final to take him that far because he’s Jasprit Bumrah,” said Harmison during a recent interaction.

“Bumrah is the best in the world, and from an Indian perspective, that’s how we see it. It’s like going to a football World Cup with your star striker, Cristiano Ronaldo. Fifteen years ago, you didn’t replace Ronaldo unless you absolutely had to, and I believe India will approach Bumrah in a similar way,” he further said.

Must Read: How Jasprit Bumrah’s absence will affect India’s prospect in Champions Trophy?

Notably, in a massive setback to India, Bumrah has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a lower back injury.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Tuesday night that Bumrah, who sustained the injury during the final Test against Australia in Sydney, has not regained full fitness in time for the tournament. Bumrah will be replaced by young pacer Harshit Rana in the squad.