In the pantheon of cricket, few battles are as eagerly anticipated as those between a world-class batsman and equally formidable bowlers.

As the ICC Champions Trophy draws near, the spotlight inevitably turns to Babar Azam, Pakistan’s batting maestro, and the Indian bowlers who could potentially disrupt his rhythm.

India, playing all their matches in Dubai, has two bowlers in particular whose skills and recent performances make them prime candidates to challenge Babar Azam: Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah.

Here Are 2 Indian Bowlers Who Can Trap Babar Azam In The ICC Champions Trophy

Arshdeep Singh – The Swing Specialist

Arshdeep Singh has quickly risen through the ranks, establishing himself as one of India’s most promising bowlers.

His ability to swing the ball, coupled with a natural aptitude for maintaining a good line and length, makes him a significant threat on pitches that offer early movement.

Dubai, known for its pitches that can assist swing bowling in the powerplay, especially under the lights, provides the perfect backdrop for Arshdeep to showcase his skills.

Arshdeep’s journey in international cricket has been marked by moments where he’s outsmarted some of the best in the business, including Babar Azam.

His left-arm pace, which often brings the ball into the right-hander, can be particularly deceptive, especially when he mixes in his variations.

His performance in the T20 World Cup where he dismissed Babar Azam with an inswinger is a testament to his potential to unsettle even the most composed of batsmen.

What makes Arshdeep particularly dangerous is his adaptability. He can bowl at varying speeds, making him unpredictable.

His knack for bowling yorkers in the death overs adds another dimension to his bowling, but it’s his early spell with the new ball that could be critical.

Babar, known for his composure, will need to be at his best to counter Arshdeep’s swing. The early part of the innings, when the ball is hard and the pitch offers assistance, could be where Arshdeep finds his opportunity to make an impact.

Jasprit Bumrah – The Master of Consistency

Jasprit Bumrah’s name resonates with consistency, skill, and an uncanny ability to perform under pressure.

His 2023 World Cup campaign, where he showcased his versatility and effectiveness, remains fresh in the minds of cricket enthusiasts.

His 32 wickets in the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia further underscore his status as one of the premier fast bowlers in the world.

Bumrah’s bowling is characterized by his unique action, which allows him to deliver the ball from an angle that often confounds batsmen.

His mastery over the yorker, combined with his ability to bowl cutters and the slower ball, makes him a multi-faceted threat.

Against Babar Azam, who has faced Bumrah multiple times, the challenge is immense.

Bumrah’s ability to bowl at any stage of the innings means Babar cannot relax after surviving the new ball; Bumrah can come back to haunt him in the middle overs or at the death.

The conditions in Dubai, where India will play all their matches, might not always offer the same lateral movement as Bumrah gets in England or Australia, but his precision and variations in pace could be more effective than outright swing.

His psychological warfare, where he often bowls a series of deliveries that look similar but have different outcomes, could be key in getting Babar to make a mistake.

The Psychological Battle

Cricket is as much a mental game as it is physical, and the battle between Babar Azam and these two Indian bowlers will be a fascinating study in psychology.

Babar, known for his temperament and technique, will need to employ all his skill and patience, especially against Arshdeep’s early swing and Bumrah’s relentless accuracy.

For Arshdeep, each delivery will be an opportunity to establish himself further on the international stage by taking down one of the best.

His confidence from previous encounters with Babar could be a double-edged sword; while it might give him the edge psychologically, it also puts pressure on him to replicate or surpass his past performances.

Bumrah, on the other hand, has the experience and the mental fortitude to keep chipping away at Babar’s defense.

His history of success in big tournaments and against top batsmen could play into his hands, creating a scenario where Babar feels the pressure of facing a bowler who has already proven his mettle on numerous occasions.

The Dubai Factor

The pitches in Dubai, while generally good for batting, can occasionally offer assistance to bowlers, especially in the early overs when the ball is new.

This slight hint of movement, combined with the strategic use of the two new balls in white-ball cricket, could be pivotal for both Arshdeep and Bumrah.

The evening games, with dew potentially coming into play later, might also favor the bowlers who can adapt their strategies quickly, an area where both these Indian bowlers excel.

In Summary

As the ICC Champions Trophy unfolds, the encounters between Babar Azam and India’s Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah will be among the most watched.

These matches are not just about individual contests but about how these bowlers can influence the outcome of games and potentially the tournament itself.

Babar Azam, with his class and records, will be a stern test, but Arshdeep and Bumrah, with their distinct styles and proven track records, have the tools to challenge him.

The beauty of cricket lies in these battles, where skill, strategy, and mental resilience come to the fore.

For Arshdeep Singh, it’s a chance to cement his place among the elite. For Jasprit Bumrah, another chapter in his legend.

And for Babar Azam, an opportunity to prove once again why he is considered one of the best in the world.

The Champions Trophy in Dubai could very well be remembered for how these contests played out, defining moments for all involved.