Indian captain Rohit Sharma stated that saving Jasprit Bumrah is more important than the T20 World Cup. Bumrah was ruled out with a back injury which was a big blow to the team. Earlier, the gun pacer was ruled out of the Asia Cup but he made a comeback in the series against Australia.
Bumrah played two matches against the Aussies before he once again injured his back. Subsequently, he was ruled out of the series against South Africa and then the T20 World Cup.
Bumrah has been an asset to the team and it is pivotal for the team to manage his workload to keep him free from injuries.
There is no doubt that India will miss the services of Jasprit Bumrah in the T20 World Cup as he is lethal at both ends of the innings. However, it will provide an opportunity for the other bowlers to deliver the goods for the team.
“We spoke to a lot of the specialists about his injuries, but we did not get a decent response,” Rohit said. “This World Cup is important, but his career is more important. He is only 27-28, there is a lot of cricket in front of him.
“So, we can’t take such a risk. All the specialists we spoke to were of the same opinion. There is a lot of cricket ahead of him, he will play a lot more and help India win matches. There is no doubt that he will be missed.”
“When it comes to injuries, we have done a lot with regard to player management in the last one year, but these things happen, and there is not much you can do about it.”
On the other hand, Rohit revealed that Mohammed Shami’s recovery has been on the right track. Shami tested positive for Covid-19 and could not take part in the series against Australia and South Africa. The veteran pacer was added to the T20 World Cup squad to replace Jasprit Bumrah.
“Shami was down with Covid-19 two-three weeks back, he was at home, in his farm,” Rohit said. “He was then called over to the National Cricket Academy, he went there and worked quite hard over the last 10 days. His recovery after Covid was very good. He had three to four bowling sessions. All in all, everything is good as far as Shami is concerned.”
India will play a practice match against Australia on Monday and Rohit revealed that Shami will get some crucial game time under his belt.
“We have our practice session in Brisbane tomorrow,” Rohit said. “He [Shami] will practice with the team. Whatever we have heard about Shami so far, is very positive. Injuries are part and parcel of the sport, there is nothing much that can be done about it. When you play so many games, injuries are bound to happen. Our focus in this last year was that we should build our bench strength.
India will play Pakistan in their tournament’s opener.
