Dale Steyn believes Mohammad Shami could be the best replacement for Jasprit Bumrah

Mohammed Shami is the key contender to replace Jasprit Bumrah (PC: Twitter)

Jasprit Bumrah’s injury has come as a huge blow for Team India ahead of the T20 World Cup 2022. The bowler has been ruled out of the ICC event, and a replacement for him is still awaited. 

In the wake of the events, former South African pace bowler Dale Steyn has named the bowler he thinks can replace Bumrah.

Speaking on Star Sports during the first ODI between India and South Africa, Steyn said that Mohammad Shami could be the ideal replacement for Bumrah, whose unavailability will make life a lot easier for batsmen in the big event that begins later this month.

“Once the opposition hears that Jasprit Bumrah is unavailable, they all breathe a sigh of relief. He's such a wonderful bowler. He's played around the world, he's an impact player, he can bowl at any time in the match. His execution of skills is on point, and India rely heavily on him. It's a pity that he is not at the World Cup, because me, as a spectator, I actually want to go and watch him play,”

“As a replacement, I would look for someone who can qualify with similar experience. Mohammed Shami is probably the guy I would go with. He's been around the world, he can swing the ball and he can bowl quickly when he wants to,” Steyn said talking to Star Sports.

Bumrah was initially named in India's squad, but a back injury means he will have to spend a large amount of time on the sidelines. Mohammed Shami is already among the players who have been named as the standbys for the tournament, and is quite likely to replace Bumrah in the playing XI.

India will begin their T20 World Cup campaign with a match against arch-rival Pakistan on October 23 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. 

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