‘We have pace, swing, and variety to hurt the Aussie line-up’ - Team India selector’s bold claim ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Team India will lock horns with Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in February 2023. All eyes are on this series as the Men in Blue will look to qualify for the final of the World Test Championship by winning the series. However, team India will miss the services of top pacers like Jasprit Bumrah.

Bumrah is currently getting fit from his injury. But, the management said that they will not rush him to make a comeback for better results. But, now a team India selector made a bold claim that despite not having Bumrah, they have players like Shami, and Siraj to hurt the batting line-up of Australia.         

“We have pace, swing, and variety to hurt the Aussie line-up” - Sridharan Sharath on the bowling line-up of team India

While talking to Sportstar, Sridharan Sharath said that India can hurt Australia with the likes of Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, and Jaydev Unadakat. He said: “Even without Bumrah, we have Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, and the in-form Jaydev Unadkat. We have pace, swing, and variety to hurt the Aussie line-up.”

Another senior Board official said: “It’s very unlikely that Jasprit will be at his 100% for the Australia series. One thing is certain, no matter which series we play, he won’t be rushed back again. Back injuries take time and rehab is a lengthy process. At this moment, he is unfit for selection and how long it will take for him to return is still doubtful. It will take another month or probably.” 

Jasprit Bumrah has failed to play for team India in many matches in 2022. He also missed the Asia Cup and the 20-20 World Cup. Bumrah made a comeback in the home T20I series against Australia. He played two matches but again got sidelined for injury. So, team India are looking to avoid any more issues with the star pacer regarding his comeback. The series will kick off on 9 February 2023 and run until mid-March.