T20 World Cup: Mohammed Shami has shown positive signs in his recovery, we couldn't have risked playing Jasprit Bumrah, says Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma on Saturday. Speaking at the captains' media interaction ahead of the T20 World Cup, Rohit gave an update on Shami, who has been drafted into the squad despite having not played a competitive game since July. "Shami had COVID two-three weeks ago. He was called to the NCA then, he worked hard for the last 10 days and he is in Brisbane. He will practice with us tomorrow," Rohit said.

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Bumrah has been ruled out of competitive cricket for an indefinite period due to stress related injury in his back. Shami had last played in T20 internationals during the last edition of the ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE.

"Whatever we have heard on his recovery is positive. He did three four bowling sessions with full intensity. We have made a lot of effort to do player management over the last 12 months but injuries happen. If you see, whoever has come into the squad, he has got matches under his belt." Bumrah was ruled out of the tournament with a back injury, leaving a big hole in the bowling department. While the batting has come a long way in the last one year, bowling remains the team's weak link. "Bumrah is a quality bowler. We spoke to a lot of specialists about his (back) injury but the response was not very positive. World Cup is important but his career is more important, he is only 27-28. We could not have risked playing him here, that is what the specialists also said. We will miss him," said Rohit.

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The decision to arrive early in Australia was all about acclimatising to weather and playing conditions and the Indian team