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

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