IND vs PAK: Jasprit Bumrah's Absence Is A Big Loss For India, But Facing Mohammad Shami And Bhuvneshwar Kumar Will Be A Challenge For Pakistan: Aaqib Javed

The absence of the elite Jasprit Bumrah at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2022 will undoubtedly be felt, but former Pakistani fast bowler Aaqib Javed believes India has enough quality in their bowling attack to pose challenges for opponents.

Mohammad Shami was promoted from the travelling reserves to the main 15-man squad after Bumrah’s back injury forced him out of the championship match.

Javed believes that while Bumrah still makes a significant impact on flat pitches, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shami will present a challenge for Pakistani batters due to the pacer-friendly Australian conditions.

In a video posted by Pak. tv on their YouTube channel, Javed said, “It’s a big loss (Bumrah’s absence for India) but won’t make too much difference in these conditions (Australian).”

Aaqib Javed continued, “Bumrah ends up making a difference even on flat pitches, where there’s little swing on offer with his yorkers and bouncers. Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Mohammed Siraj are good seam bowlers. So Pakistan will have difficulties. Runs won’t come easy for them.”

“Although Pakistan bowlers have the edge over their India (counterparts) in these conditions, they won’t be that weak. Shami is a very good seam bowler, especially when the pitch offers a little help (as well). Even Siraj does well (in such conditions). Bhuvneshwar is one of the best in seaming conditions,” Aaqib Javed added.

Facing Shaheen will be quite a challenge for Indian batters: Aaqib Javed

The matchup between left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi and the Indian top order will be one of the key matchups to watch. When he last faced India, Shaheen destroyed their top order, and Javed believes that the Australian conditions will be perfect for the young player who has recently recovered from a knee injury.

“The Australian cricket season has just begun. The pitches will be a little sloppy. Bowlers will get more out of them if they focus on length and swing. These conditions are ideal for Shaheen due to his ability to get the ball to swing late. Indian batters will face a significant challenge in facing Shaheen, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf,” Aaqib Javed said.

On Sunday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, India and Pakistan will face off in the opening match of the world cup. This year’s third meeting between the two teams will follow their first two encounters at the Asia Cup 2022 in the United Arab Emirates.

Also Read: IND vs PAK: “Been A While Since We Won World Cup, Need To Do Lot Of Things Right To Make That Happen”: Rohit Sharma