Suresh Raina believes Shami is not the ideal replacement for Bumrah

Mohammed Shami in action [Source: Twitter]

Jasprit Bumrah has been India's most reliable bowler across formats in the recent past. However, Bumrah, one of the best death-overs bowlers in the world, missed out on the ICC T20 World Cup due to a back injury.

The men's national selection committee preferred veteran bowler Mohammed Shami for Bumrah's replacement over Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, and Umran Malik. A decision that has been welcomed by plenty has faced disapproval from former India legend Suresh Raina.  

Raina, one of India's biggest match-winners in white-ball cricket, opined that Shami is not a like-for-like replacement for Bumrah. 

Here's what Raina commented 

"I would not call him (Shami) a perfect replacement because you cannot replace Jasprit Bumrah or Ravindra Jadeja. They have played consistently for India, and they have given performances. But the best option you had, you have selected him. Shami has given good performances, he has been in good form."

The 2011 World Cup winner also praised the BCCI for sending Team India 15 days prior, giving the side ample time to adjust to the Australian conditions. 

India will clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. 

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