India T20 WC Squad: Although Mohammed Shami seems likely to replace Jasprit Bumrah in India’s squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2022, Sunil Gavaskar doesn’t want that to happen. The legendary cricketer feels that Mohammed Siraj should replace Bumrah. Gavaskar shed light on the fact that Shami hasn’t played too many games of late. Follow T20 World Cup Live Updates with InsideSport.IN.
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India T20 WC Squad: Selectors, team management ready to officially name Mohd Shami as Bumrah’s replacement, Sunil Gavaskar warns ‘PICK Mohammed Siraj not Shami’: CHECK OUT
“I’d go for Siraj because he has been bowling well; Shami has not played for a while. And to hit your steps straight away in a World Cup, yes, there are a couple of warm-up matches,” said Sunil Gavaskar while speaking to Star Sports. “As of now, nobody has been selected as the 15th player. I don’t know…has he gone with the team to Australia? He hasn’t gone. So he has played no cricket. And that’s a concern,” he added.
Thus, Gavaskar felt that the Bengal pacer not having had enough match practice was a “concern”. It is to be noted that Bumrah was officially ruled out of the tournament after he suffered a back injury. Not only is he one of India’s biggest match-winners, but he has a very good record in Australia, where the T20 WC will be played. However, Siraj and Shami are in line to replace him in the squad. While pointing out the current form of the Hyderabad pacer, Gavaskar backed Siraj over Shami.
“No doubting his quality. Just the fact that he (Shami) has not played any cricket. It’s never easy to come back after Covid. Your stamina can be a little bit of suspect – I know it’s a four-over game in T20I cricket. But look at the way Siraj has been bowling. He’s bowling brilliantly,” he said.
Siraj has been superb of late. As a matter of fact, he won the player of the series award during the recently concluded three-match ODI series against South Africa. As for his T20I numbers, Siraj has picked up five wickets in six games at an average of 50.6.
On the other hand, Shami has taken 18 wickets in 17 T20Is at an average of 31.56. However, the 32-year-old last played an international game nearly three months ago. Thus, it will be exciting to see who ends up replacing Bumrah in the T20 WC squad.
India T20 WC Squad: Selectors, team management ready to officially name Mohd Shami as Bumrah’s replacement, Sunil Gavaskar warns ‘PICK Mohammed Siraj not Shami’: CHECK OUT
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