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The Times of India
The Times of India
Sport
Arani Basu | TNN

T20 World Cup: Jasprit Bumrah out, Mohammed Shami likely replacement

NEW DELHI: The worst fears of Team India regarding Jasprit Bumrah has come true. In a major blow to India's campaign in the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia, Bumrah has been ruled out of the mega tournament due to a back injury.

TOI has learnt that Mohammed Shami is most likely to replace Bumrah in the 15-member squad for the World Cup while Mohammed Siraj will travel to Australia as a standby. As reported by TOI on September 30, the choice was between Deepak Chahar and Shami if Bumrah eventually failed to make the cut.

"The team management is clear about the like-for-like backups. Chahar has been identified as one for Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Bhuvneshwar is still the first-choice swing bowler. Shami was seen as a strike bowler as cover for Bumrah. So, Shami is ahead at this point. Siraj is scheduled to travel with the team as a standby," a source told TOI.

In a statement on Monday, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said: "The BCCI medical team has ruled out Team India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup squad. The decision was taken following a detailed assessment and in consultation with the specialists. Bumrah, was initially ruled out from the ongoing 3-match T20I series against South Africa due to a back injury. The BCCI will be naming a replacement in the squad for the marquee tournament soon."

India have time till October 15 to name a replacement for Bumrah without seeking ICC's permission. Shami missed both the home T20I series against Australia and South Africa due to Covid-19, while Mohammed Siraj did well on India's last tour in Australia in 2020-21, though in the Test series. Chahar, who has bowled well against SA in the ongoing series, too is a strong contender.

It's clear that with India playing their lung opener of the T20 World Cup against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 23, there was little time for the ace pacer to stage any sort of recovery in time. Perhaps, the idea is to ensure that Bumrah returns to prime fitness in time for the Test series against Bangladesh and Australia post the World Cup, as India bid to qualify for the World Test Championship final.

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