Indian team suffered a huge blow to their plans for the T20 World Cup 2022 when ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the tournament due to a stress-related injury to his back and South Africa’s legendary pacer Dale Steyn has said that he feels sad for Bumrah.
Bumrah had returned to action against Australia in the recent T20I series after a break from cricket, but after playing two matches, he complained of pain in his back, and later scans and diagnosis at the NCA confirmed a stress injury to his back.
Meanwhile, the Indian team flew to Australia to prepare for the T20 World Cup 2022 without their 15th member, as the BCCI is yet to name a replacement for Bumrah. Reports have suggested that one from Mohammad Siraj, Mohammad Shami, and Deepak Chahar will be picked as his replacement.
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But Dale Steyn has picked his choice for the replacement and said that this bowler can really turn it on in the pace department if he wants to and if needed. He feels, Mohammad Shami is the ideal replacement for Bumrah on Australia pitches.
“I'm sad and I feel for him (Bumrah). As a replacement, I would look at someone who can qualify with similar experience. Mohammed Shami is probably the guy I would go with. He's been around the world, he can swing the ball and he can bowl quickly when he wants to,” Steyn said in an interaction with Hindustan Times.
"You've got a bunch of other guys as well. You've got Deepak who has got swing, Siraj who has got skills, and Avesh has some good pace. But I think the top of the pile would be Shami, I've got him written down here. If he's fully fit, he's somebody the opposition does fear. But India would be missing Bumrah for sure," he added.
Further talking about the impact of Jasprit Bumrah’s absence from the ICC event, Steyn said that the Men in Blue will definitely miss his skills as they look forward to winning their first ICC event since 2013.
“Once the opposition hears that Jasprit Bumrah is unavailable, they all breathe a sigh of relief. He's such a wonderful bowler. He's played around the world, he's an impact player, he can bowl at any time in the match. His execution of skills is on point, and India rely heavily on him. It's a pity that he is not at the World Cup, because me, as an spectator, I actually want to go and watch him play,” Steyn said.
