Dale Steyn
Dale Steyn (Image Credit: Twitter)

Early on October 6, Team India took off for Australia to compete in the T20 World Cup. Only 14 players have gone with the team after star bowler Jasprit Bumrah was unable to compete due to a back ailment.

The Rohit Sharma-led team will face its bitter rivals Pakistan on October 23 to open its campaign in the prestigious competition. In the next few days, a successor for the 28-year-old pacer will be revealed. 

There is much conjecture over who could replace Jasprit Bumrah in the T20 World Cup roster. According to some sources, it might be Mohammed Shami, Mohammad Siraj, or Deepak Chahar. However, Dale Steyn, a former sprinter for South Africa, feels that Shami is at the top of the food chain for everyone. 

Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah. (Photo: Getty Images)

Mohammed Shami Is Probably The Guy I Would Go With: Dale Steyn On Replacement Of Jasprit Bumrah

Before the first ODI of the series between India and South Africa, Steyn spoke in-depth on Jasprit Bumrah’s injury. He said that while Shami is at the top of his list of possible replacements, India would undoubtedly miss Bumrah in Australia. 

“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.

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Jasprit Bumrah And Mohammed Shami (Image Credits: Twitter)
Jasprit Bumrah And Mohammed Shami (Image Credits: Twitter)

His execution of skills is on point, and India rely heafvily on him. It’s a pity that he is not at the World Cup, because me, as an spectator, I acutally want to go and watch him play,” Steyn said. 

“I’m sad and I feel for him. As a replacement, I would look at 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 further stated. 

Although Steyn also mentioned other possibilities, he stressed that Shami’s name was his top pick. 

Mohammed Shami with Mohammed Siraj. PC- Getty
Mohammed Shami with Mohammed Siraj. PC- Getty

“You’ve got a bunch of other guys as well. You’ve got Deepak who has got swing, Siraj who has got skills, and Avesh has some good pace.

But I think the top of the pile woud be Shami, I’ve got him written down here. If he’s fully fit, he’s somebody the opposition do fear. But India would be missing Bumrah for sure,” said Steyn. 

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