Team India are set to begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 23. The Men in Blue already has faced a setback in the form of Jasprit Bumrah being ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury.
He missed the Asia Cup due to a back injury and made a comeback in the home series against the Proteas and Aussies. During the captain’s press conference ahead of the showpiece T20 event, Rohit Sharma answered why the team decided not to rush him to be fit and available for this tournament.
“Bumrah is a quality player; he has been playing very well over the years. Unfortunately, injuries happen. But you can’t do anything about it. We spoke to a lot of specialists about his injury, but we didn’t get a positive response. World Cup. Yes, it’s very important, but his career, for us, is more important. He is just 28 years old and he has a lot of cricket left in him,” Rohit stated.
“So, we can’t take such risks. All the specialists we spoke to, also suggested the same. There is a lot of cricket left to be played. He will play a lot more matches and win a lot more matches for India in the future. There is no doubt about it but his absence is a blow for us,” he further added.
Mohammed Shami replaces Jasprit Bumrah in India’s T20 World Cup squad
It required a lot of hard work, commitment and dedication to be back but the journey to Australia has been thoroughly rewarding. No better feeling than to be back with #TeamIndia and my boys. Looking forward to the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/K539OYAHzn
— Mohammad Shami (@MdShami11) October 17, 2022
India have announced Mohammad Shami as a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah. Shami, who hasn’t played any T20IS since the last T20 World Cup, has just recovered from COVID-19 and has joined the team soon in Australia.
However, the management and the selectors backed the experienced bowler to do well for India as he is experienced enough in these conditions. Mohammad Siraj and Shardul Thakur were added to the side as reserves after Deepak Chahar picked up an injury against South Africa at home.
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