'We haven’t got anyone as good as Bumrah' - Wasim Jaffer names his replacement for Jasprit Bumrah for the 20-20 World Cup 2022

Jasprit Bumrah's injury has become a major dent in India's preparations for the 20-20 World Cup 2022 next month. After all, he is the leader of the pace bowling attack who can bowl in the powerplay and death overs. The Indian Cricket Board hasn't announced any replacements for Bumrah for the World Cup. They have included Mohammed Siraj for the ongoing series against South Africa.

Meanwhile, former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer has his views on the 28-year-old's replacement. The former feels that even though it is difficult to replace a bowler such as Bumrah, Mohammed Shami can be the best guy. However, the Odisha head coach maintains that Shami's death bowling is in question which is definitely a major concern for the Men In Blue.

“I don’t think we have got a replacement for Bumrah," Jaffer said on ESPNcricinfo. “He is a vital cog in this Indian team and he’ll be sorely missed. We haven’t got anyone as good as Bumrah to bowl in the Powerplay as well as in the death (overs) especially. But the best guy to replace him would probably be Mohammed Shami. But again the death bowling is a concern with Shami. (Bumrah’s absence) it’s going to be a massive blow for India’s preparation."

Indian Team management might have rushed Jasprit Bumrah: Wasim Jaffer

The Mumbaikar added that the Indian team could have rested Jasprit and not rushed him in the recently-concluded series against Australia. Jaffer believes if there was a stress fracture, it might have gotten worse.

“In the hindsight, maybe they rushed him into playing against Australia," Jaffer said. “He might have taken more time and get ready for world cup. (But) we don’t know the seriousness of the injury. Probably the stress fracture might have been there but not to that extent. It might have got worst with him playing two games (vs Australia). They kind of jump the gun and made him play those games early."