Reetinder Singh Sodhi Opines That India Will Be Concerned If Jasprit Bumrah Is Ruled Out Of 2022 T20I World Cup Due To Injury

Reetinder Singh Sodhi, the former Indian all-rounder believes it will be a big concern for Team India if senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah is ruled out of the upcoming T20I World Cup 2022 due to injury.

During a discussion, he highlighted that it is going to be very difficult for a young pacer to replace someone like Jasprit Bumrah for the marquee event. Reetinder Singh Sodhi stated that the speedster has been a vital cog for the Men in Blue in T20 cricket.

Reetinder Singh Sodhi: To Fill The Shoes Of Jasprit Bumrah In 2022 T20I World Cup Is Very Challenging

He pointed out that Jasprit Bumrah is very effective in the shortest format because of the fear factor that he inflicts on the minds of the opposition.

Reetinder Singh Sodhi said: “Jasprit Bumrah’s absence will be a big setback for India. The likes of Avesh Khan, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna have done well. However, to fill the shoes of Jasprit Bumrah, and that too for the T20 World Cup, will be very challenging.”

“It will be a disappointment if he doesn’t get fit for the [T20] World Cup. His four overs are crucial as the opposition batters don’t look to take chances against him,” Reetinder Singh Sodhi said.

Notably, Jasprit Bumrah is set to miss the forthcoming Asia Cup 2022 due to a back injury. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. The fast bowler has been struggling with back spasms of late and with the T20I World Cup around the corner, the selection committee decided to take the prudent step to rest him for the Asia Cup tournament.

Jasprit Bumrah has not played an international match since the second One-Day International (ODI) against England at Lord’s on July 14. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian bowling attack in the Asia Cup will be less lethal.

There is no experienced fast bowler other than Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the team. Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan have made it to the team as fast bowlers. In-form speedster Harshal Patel has also not been selected in the Asia Cup squad due to injury.

Saba Karim: India Have Kept In Mind That Jasprit Bumrah May Not Be Available In The Future

Former India cricketer and selector Saba Karim stated during the same discussion that the team management is aware that Jasprit Bumrah might not be available for selection in the coming months.

He mentioned that this is why the Indian think tank has handed consistent opportunities to their young fast bowlers. Saba Karim, however, argued that while there are several talented pacers in the country, Jasprit Bumrah’s absence will surely hurt Rohit Sharma and Co.

He stated: “Jasprit Bumrah has been an impactful player for India across formats. But it seems that India have kept in mind that Bumrah may not be available in the future and have prepared accordingly.”

“This is why we see so many new faces in the side. The management has given them consistent opportunities to find an option for Bumrah’s replacement. But with that said, India will surely miss Bumrah as he has been a top performer in white-ball cricket.”

The 2022 T20I World Cup is set to be played in Australia in October and November later this year. Indian fans will hope that Jasprit Bumrah regains full fitness ahead of the competition, as he is the team’s fast bowling spearhead.