Former India Head Coach and current commentator Ravi Shastri believes that the Indian cricket team needs the return of pace bowler Mohammed Shami to lessen the load on Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia. Shami has been recovering from an ankle injury and has been playing domestic cricket to regain his fitness. Shastri suggests that Shami's return could ease the pressure on Bumrah and give India a stronger bowling attack. With Shami's potential return for the fourth or fifth Test, India hopes to have a fully fit squad for the remaining matches.
Bumrah's Absence and Shami's Potential Return for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, which commences on February 9. Jasprit Bumrah, India's premier fast bowler, has been ruled out of the series due to an ongoing back injury. His absence has created a significant void in India's bowling lineup.
Former India Head Coach Ravi Shastri has expressed his concerns about Bumrah's absence and has advocated for the return of Mohammed Shami to lighten the load on the remaining bowlers. Shami has been recovering from an ankle injury and has been playing domestic cricket to regain his fitness.
Shastri believes that Shami's return would not only ease the pressure on Bumrah's replacement but also provide India with a stronger bowling attack. "If Shami's fit and bowling well, he's a great option to have," Shastri said. "He has the experience, the skill, and the ability to perform at the highest level.
India is hopeful that Shami will be fully fit and available for selection for the fourth or fifth Test if the series goes the distance. This would give India a much-needed boost in their quest to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on home soil.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Why is Jasprit Bumrah not playing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy? Answer: Bumrah is ruled out due to an ongoing back injury.
2. Who is Mohammed Shami, and why is his return important? Answer: Shami is a veteran fast bowler who has taken over 200 wickets in Test cricket. His return would provide India with an experienced and skilful bowler to support the other bowlers.
3. When could Shami make his return to the Indian team? Answer: Shami's potential return is expected for the fourth or fifth Test, if he is fully fit.
4. How significant is Bumrah's absence for India? Answer: Bumrah's absence is a major blow to India's bowling attack. He is one of the best bowlers in the world, and his ability to pick up wickets and contain runs is unmatched.
5. What is the significance of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy? Answer: The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a prestigious Test cricket series between India and Australia. It is named after two legendary cricketers, Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar. India has won the last three editions of the series.
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