Ravi Shastri backs Mohammed Shami to replace Jasprit Bumrah in the Indian T20 World Cup squad

India suffered a major injury blow ahead of the T20 World Cup as Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out with a stress fracture on his back. The Indian management is yet to decide that who will be making the final cut for that one crucial position that would need experience and a prized skill set to be able to deal with the new ball and also make some early inroads coupled with the onus of putting a choke in the death overs.

Axar Patel was added to the Indian squad as a like for like replacement with Jadeja being sidelined. However, it is yet to be clear as to who makes the cut for the squad to don the massive boots of Jasprit Bumrah, especially under these dire circumstances where India’s death bowling in the shortest format of the game has raised a few questions.

Talking about Bumrah’s absence, Shastri said, “[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.”

He further added, “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."

Shastri underlined why Shami can be a brilliant asset for India in the Australian conditions highlighting the crucial role that the Indian quick has managed to conjure Down Under. Shami has scalped 31 wickets in 8 Test matches that has been coupled with 22 wickets from 14 ODIs.

Speaking about why Shami would be the ideal replacement, Shastri said, “Precisely, his experience [in Australian conditions is his strength]. 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."