Mohammed Shami's role becomes bigger in Jasprit Bumrah's absence- Harbhajan Singh 

Mohammed Shami in action [Source: Twitter]

India are set to play their ICC T20 World Cup 2022 opener on Sunday against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), brushing aside all injury and selection issues. Injury to several key players like Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Harshal Patel derailed India's preparations ahead of the 12-nation tournament.

Mohammed Shami's last-minute inclusion as Bumrah's replacement surprised many, given that Indian selectors didn't include the paceman since the T20 World Cup 2021 debacle.

However, Shami made an impressive comeback in the warm-up match against Australia, claiming three wickets in the final over to help Team India nudge past the hosts by six runs.

Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed Shami to fill in Bumrah's shoes, given his experience. The 32-year-old has played 17 T20Is and picked 18 wickets.

Harbhajan expects Shami to emerge as India's X-factor

"Shami getting fit is a good sign for the Indian team. The style of the bowler he is, and his experience matter a lot on the big stage. Shami's role becomes even bigger with Bumrah not being there. We hope that he lives up to those expectations."

The two-time World Cup winner also explained that India might not play Ravichandran Ashwin and Deepak Hooda in the initial few games, and prefer Axar Patel for his all-round abilities. 

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