Team India’s preparations for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2022 were dealt with a severe blow, as their lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the marquee tournament. The team management is mulling over Bumrah’s ideal replacement. Head coach Rahul Dravid hinted at Mohammed Shami’s inclusion in the World Cup squad.
Jasprit Bumrah complained of back pain during India’s practice session last week. He was assessed by the medical team and was officially ruled out of the T20 World Cup on Tuesday. Speaking at the press conference after India’s 49-run loss against South Africa at Indore on Tuesday, Rahul Dravid expressed that Bumrah’s absence will be an opportunity for other players to step up.
“Bumrah’s absence is a big loss, he’s been a great player but it happens, it’s an opportunity for someone else to stand up. We’ll miss him, his personality around the group,” said Rahul Dravid.
NEWS – Jasprit Bumrah ruled out of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.
More details here – https://t.co/H1Stfs3YuE #TeamIndia
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 3, 2022
The former India cricketer further added that Mohammed Shami is one of the possible replacement options. Mohammed Shami is in the reserves for the ICC T20 World Cup 2022. Dravid stated,
“Shami is obviously someone who’s in the standbys. Unfortunately for us, he couldn’t play in this series. It would’ve been ideal from that perspective, but he’s in the National Cricket Academy at the moment.”
Once I get a report on how Mohammed Shami’s feeling, then we’ll take a call: Rahul Dravid
Mohammed Shami was part of India’s initial squad for the Australia series. However, he tested positive for covid-19 and was ruled out of the series. Shami was also not part of the South Africa T20Is, as he could not recover in time. Speaking about Mohammed Shami’s the possibility of Shami’s inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad, Rahul Dravid said,
“We’ve to get reports as to how he’s recovering, and what’s his status after 14-15 days of covid, and we’ll take a call. Once I get a report on how he’s feeling, then obviously we (I and the selectors) can really take a call on how to move forward on it.”
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