Cricket News

‘It’s an opportunity for somebody else’ -Ravi Shastri feels that India will unearth a new hero in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence at the 20-20 World Cup 2022

Jasprit Bumrah missing out of the 20-20 World Cup 2022 due to a back injury has been a big concern for team India, of late. The ace of pace has been superb with the ball for the Men in Blue and it would be tough for anyone to fulfill the role of Jasprit Bumrah.

This was the second blow that India received shortly after it was announced that Ravindra Jadeja will not play the 20-20 World Cup due to a knee injury. Former India head coach, Ravi Shastri said that when one door closes another door opens in the sense that this is an opportunity for someone else to step in and fill the big shoes of Bumrah.

With regards to Bumrah’s replacement, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami and Deepak Chahar are in the fray as replacement options.

“It’s unfortunate. There’s so much cricket being played, and people get injured. He is injured, but it’s an opportunity for somebody else. There is nothing you can do with injury,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Shastri as saying on the sidelines of launch of Coaching Beyond, his new initiative with B Arun and R Sridhar.

“I think we have got enough strength and we have a good team. I have always believed if you make it to the semi-finals, it could be anyone’s tournament. The endeavour would be to start well, get to the semis, and then you have got enough strength to probably win the [World] Cup, for all you know. Bumrah not being there, Jadeja not being there – it hampers the side – but it’s an opportunity to unearth a new champion,” he added.

Reports are indicating that Shami, in all likelihood, will replace Bumrah. The team management is looking for someone who has had prior experience in Australia. Shami had played in the 2015 World Cup down under, where he picked up 17 wickets in seven games at an average of 17.29 and had an outstanding economy rate of 4.81.

India begin their 20-20 World Cup campaign on 23rd October against Pakistan. They will play two warm-up fixtures against Australia and New Zealand on October 17 and October 19.  Besides, they will also play two warm up games against Western Australia on October 10th and 13th.