India received a big blow on Thursday, September 29, with star pacer Jasprit Bumrah likely to be ruled out of the T20 World Cup in Australia next month. The pace spearhead also didn’t feature in the first T20I against South Africa on Wednesday, September 28, in Kerala.
According to reports, he has not travelled with the team to Thiruvananthapuram where the first T20I took place between India and South Africa and has been ruled out of the series due to a back stress fracture.
No surgery will be required but Jasprit Bumrah will require at least 4-6 months to recover from the injury. A BCCI official told PTI that Bumrah has a stress fracture and could be out of action for months.
On that note, let’s take a look at three players who can replace Jasprit Bumrah in India’s ICC T20 World Cup 2022 squad.
#1 Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami will be the ideal replacement for Jasprit Bumrah. The Bengal pacer has vast experience of playing in international cricket and the same can come in handy for the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team in a tournament like World Cup.
Shami, who is currently on the reserve list, has good pace and can be successful in the powerplay as well as in the death over.
Shami has not played any T20I matches this year but has showcased a good performance in ODIs and Tests. In 2022, Shami has 13 wickets in 5 Tests at an average of 34.46. In 3 ODIs, he has picked 4 wickets at an average of 29.25. He was also spectacular for the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022, helping them to win the title in their debut season.
#2 Avesh Khan
Avesh Khan has impressed everyone with his brilliant bowling in IPL 2021 and 2022. The fast bowler from Madhya Pradesh has played 38 IPL games till now in which he has 47 wickets to his name at an average of 24.79.
Although Avesh hasn’t been able to perform consistently so far in international cricket, he certainly has the skills to make it big in international cricket as well. He can be a solid replacement for Jasprit Bumrah as he is known for his bowling in the death overs.
#3 Umran Malik
After IPL 2002, Umran Malik’s name is in the news everywhere. This fast bowler from Jammu and Kashmir has impressed one and all with his express speed, while playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Umran picked up 24 wickets at an economy rate of 8.83 in 18 matches so far in the IPL.
What makes Umran special is that he is one of the few bowlers in India who can bowl at a pace of more than 155. If Umran gets a chance on Australia‘s fast pitches, he can definitely do well.
Written by Parag Mogale
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