T20 World Cup: There is no like-for-like replacement possible for Jasprit Bumrah, he is just too skilfull, says Shane Watson | Cricket News
Injuries and sports go hand in hand. The problem, however, is that while Jadeja’s absence can be concealed (especially if someone like Axar Patel, a similar substitute for Jadeja works well), there’s no such thing as a similar replacement for Jadeja. Bumrah.
This is a sentiment echoed by the former Australian cricketer Shane Watson also.
“If you ask me for a similar replacement for Bumrah, there isn’t. There isn’t really anyone in this world. He’s extremely skillful. Whether it’s with a brand new ball, whether it’s a ball, or a ball. dead ball, he has great skills. And that’s why he has also done such an amazing job for India. So there is no similar (possibly) replacement.” Watson told TimesofIndia.com in an interview.
Jasosystem Bumrah (AFP Photo)
Bumrah was officially ruled out of the T20 World Cup due to a back injury on October 3. According to the BCCI, the decision was made after a detailed assessment and consultation with experts.
Bumrah was initially dropped from the three-match T20I series against South Africa, which India won 2-1, because of a back injury. The BCCI medical team excluded Bumrah from the big event the day before the third and final T20I against Proteas.
India has yet to name an official replacement for Bumrah for the T20 World Cup.
In Bumrah’s absence, the role of the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel and Arshdeep Singh, who feature in the World Cup team of the year, will become much more important. Although Bhuvi is quite experienced, no other bowling spearhead is as fast. Mohammed Shami, from the waiting list is the official named alternative to Bumrah. But Shami herself didn’t play 100% and missed the home series against Australia and South Africa with a COVID-19 hit.
In Bumrah’s absence, India’s fatal bowling problems were more exposed.
“The bowler who can perform at the end of the game with the ball for India, in Bumrah’s absence, is Arshdeep or Siraj. Both (Arshdeep and Siraj) can throw the ball very strong and great at the end of the game. It’s going to be a tough call, though,” Watson added to TimesofIndia.com.
Mohammed Siraj currently in the ODI squad of India against South Africa in a series of 3 matches at home. Another possible name is Deepak Chahar, who was named as one of the reserve players for the World Cup. Chahar is also part of the ODI team that is attending the Proteas and has not yet flown to Australia with the rest of the World Cup team. Shami is not part of the ODI series, but will have to prove her fitness at the NCA. Head Coach Rahul Dravid talked about how the team management will keep a close eye on Shami’s progress. Teams already in the Super 12 phase have until October 15 to make changes to their World Cup team without ICC permission.
Another key issue now, after Bumrah was dropped from the marquee event, is whether his workload management is properly monitored and enforced.
Bumrah is back after being sidelined for two months with back spasms (in July after India’s tour of the UK). He was back in the 3-match T20I series against Australia.
The 28-year-old was given a break in the opening match but will play the remaining two games. He bowled twice, conceded 23 times, and took a wicket (Aaron Finch for 31) in the second and then returned with a costly 4-0-50-0 in the third. Throughout he doesn’t look like he’s shooting at all the cylinders.
Bumrah was also included in the series against South Africa, but a recurring back injury again kept him out for a day before the start of the three-match T20I rubber match.
“I’m not sure exactly the details of how he’s been managed. It’s obviously very disappointing for Bumrah. But just know as a fast pitcher, doing what he does, there’s always some anxiety. afraid of injury at some stage (or other) because it’s just the unlucky nature of being a fast pitcher,” said Watson, who played 59 Tests, 190 ODIs and 58 T20I for Australia from 2002 to 2016, added TimesofIndia.com.
