New Delhi: Indian team management has a big question to answer before their do-or-die clash against Nepal on Monday. The question being, who will replace the unavailable Bumrah in the playing XI?
Jasprit Bumrah flew back home on Sunday, citing the reason as personal reason. Later it was discovered that he went back home to be with his wife, Sanjana Ganeshan, who was giving birth to his first child.
Our little family has grown & our hearts are fuller than we could ever imagine! This morning we welcomed our little boy, Angad Jasprit Bumrah into the world. We are over the moon and can’t wait for everything this new chapter of our lives brings with it ❤️ – Jasprit and Sanjana pic.twitter.com/j3RFOSpB8Q
— Jasprit Bumrah (@Jaspritbumrah93) September 4, 2023
With Bumrah unavailable for the team on Monday for their clash against Nepal, Indian coach Rahul Dravid and Captain Rohit Sharma will have to decide who will take the pace spearhead’s position in the team.
Coach Rahul and Rohit would most probably want to go for a like-for-like replacement, i.e. pacer for the pacer.
The first and most probable option for the job will be the 33-year-old Mohammad Shami. Shami is the most experienced bowler in the team and is capable of breaking any partnership at any given time. He also hit a few shots out of the park if needed.
A second and less likely option would be Prasidh Krishna, who can be given a game against an easier opponent to boost his confidence. Prasidh although is a very capable bowler, it will be highly unlikely that he will be given preference over a much more experienced Shami.
There is also a third option in the form of Axar Patel; if India decides to play three spinners, Axar is their go-to man. Axar can spin the bowl on any surface and can also bat exceptionally well down the order. But again, getting a chance is just as unlikely as Prasidh’s.
Notably, India’s match against Nepal is going to be a do-or-die match for both of the teams. The winning side will join Pakistan in Super 4 from ‘Group A’, while the losing will have to pack their bags for home.
