Shastri believes without Bumrah and Jadeja, the T20 World Cup has room for new champs to emerge!
Shastri believes without Bumrah and Jadeja, the T20 World Cup has room for new champs to emerge! Ravi Shastri says that Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja’s absence from the T20 World Cup will give the team a chance to find a new champion. India’s chances at the tournament in Australia went down a lot when Bumrah and Jadeja both got injured. These two men are seen as important parts of the team’s system. However, former coach Ravi Shastri thinks it’s a chance for another player to step up.
The former India coach said at the launch of Coaching Beyond that Bumrah’s injury is unfortunate and that nothing can be done about it. Shastri went on to say that the Indian team has enough players, and if they get off to a good start in the tournament, they can win it.
The former coach said that Bumrah and Jadeja’s absence hurts the team, but it also gives the team a chance to find a new champion.
On injuries
Shastri said of Bumrah’s injury, “[It’s] unfortunate. There’s so much cricket being played, and people get injured. He is injured, but it’s an opportunity for somebody else. There is nothing you can do with injury.”
“I think we have got enough strength and we have a good team. I have always believed if you make it to the semi-finals, it could be anyone’s tournament. The endeavour would be to start well, get to the semis, and then you have got enough strength to probably win the [World] Cup, for all you know. Bumrah not being there, Jadeja not being there – it hampers the side – but it’s an opportunity to unearth a new champion.”
On Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami has been talked about as a possible replacement for Bumrah. Shastri said that the fact that Shami has played in Australia and understands the pitch is important.
“Precisely, his experience [in Australian conditions is his strength],” Shastri said of Shami. “India have been there a lot in the last six years and he has been an integral part of all those tours. So that experience [of having done well in Australia] counts.”