(Cricket news) India's T20 World Cup dreams have taken a massive hit as ace bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the mega tournament. Bumrah missed the Asia Cup due to a back injury but then came back for the Australia series. The pain in his back returned before the South Africa series and he was subsequently ruled out of the series and the World Cup. Bumrah is one of the best bowlers in the world and there is absolutely no direct replacement for him in the squad. India are yet to announce a replacement for Bumrah and the 14 other members have already traveled to Australia. Mohammed Shami and Deepak Chahar were the two quick bowlers in the reserves list of the original squad. Mohammed Siraj is also in the mix after he was Bumrah's replacement in the South Africa series. Umesh Yadav was also a part of the Australia and South Africa series as a replacement for Shami.

After not having played the T20Is since the last World Cup, Mohammed Shami was called up for the series against South Africa and Australia. India's bowling troubles at the Asia Cup was the main reason why Shami was selected months after reports that the BCCI will not be considering him for T20Is to keep him fit for the other two formats. Shami was tested positive with Covid 19 and still hasn't fully recovered. In terms of skills and experience, Shami is the closest Bumrah replacement. The only issue is his fitness as he is yet to be fully match fit. The seamer came into the last T20 World Cup having not played a T20I game in a long time and he faced the effects of it. The same thing is going to happen this time which will be a risk.

Deepak Chahar is also in the mix but he is not a replacement for Bumrah in the slightest. Chahar is a new ball bowler who doesn't bowl much in the death overs like Bumrah. If Chahar is selected then the roles of the other bowlers will also change. Umesh Yadav is also a new ball bowler who doesn't bowl in the death overs. Siraj can play Bumrah’s role but he also hasn't played many T20 internationals recently. Realistically it has to come down between Siraj and Shami who are the two prime candidates. If the latter is fit then he is almost guaranteed to be on his way to Australia.

Also read: Gambhir-led India Capitals emerge Legends League champs