Ravi Shastri has said that Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja’s absence from the T20 World Cup would be an opportunity for India to unearth a new champion. Shastri also feels Shami’s experience in Australia will come in handy if he is picked as the replacement for Bumrah.
- India’s chances at the T20 World Cup took a big hit as they lost Bumrah and Jadeja to injuries
- Shastri said Bumrah and Jadeja’s absence will be an opportunity for another player to step up
- Former India coach feels Shami’s experience in Australia will come in handy
Former India coach Ravi Shastri has claimed that Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja’s absence in the T20 World Cup will be an opportunity for the team to find a new champion.
India’s chances at the event in Australia took a big hit when they lost both Bumrah and Jadeja to injuries. Both men are considered to be vital cogs in the system for the team. However, Shastri feels it’s an opportunity for another player to step up.
Speaking at the launch of Coaching Beyond, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo, the former India coach said Bumrah’s injury is an unfortunate one and there’s nothing that can be done about it.
Shastri went on to say that there is enough depth in the Indian side and if the team can start the tournament well, then they can go all the way and win the tournament.
The former coach said that while Bumrah and Jadeja’s absence does hamper the side, it is an opportunity to find a new champion for the team.
There’s nothing you can do with injury: Ravi Shastri
“[It’s] unfortunate,” Shastri said of Bumrah’s injury at the launch of Coaching Beyond, his new initiative with Bharat Arun and R Sridhar, in Chennai.
“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.”
“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 endeavors 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.”
Speaking about Mohammed Shami being touted as a replacement for Bumrah, Shastri said that Shami’s experience playing in Australia counts.
“Precisely, his experience [in Australian conditions is his strength],” Shastri said of Shami. “India have been there a lot in the last six years and he has been an integral part of all those tours. So that experience [of having done well in Australia] counts.”
While the premier pacer did undergo a successful rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and played two T20Is against Australia a couple of weeks ago, he reportedly complained of a back pain ahead of the first T20I against South Africa and could not take any further part in the series.
It now remains to be seen who will be named Bumrah’s replacement. As of now, senior pacer Mohammed Shami along with Mohammed Siraj and bowling all-rounder Deepak Chahar are the potential candidates.
Ahead of the blockbuster opening clash against arch-rivals Pakistan at the MCG on October 23, India will be playing two warm-up fixtures against the title-holders Australia and last edition’s finalists New Zealand on the 17th and 19th October respectively.
India’s non playing sixteen in T20
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