Mohammed Shami on Jasprit Bumrah’s unavailability: “The absence of good players is always felt”

Team India pacer Mohammed Shami has said that the side is missing their lead fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. He added that the management and players hope he recovers soon and joins the team to make the setup stronger.

Bumrah has not played an international game for India since September 2022 due to a back injury. He was added to the Indian squad for the ODIs against Sri Lanka at home but was subsequently ruled out as a precautionary measure.

The 29-year-old was not picked in the squads named for the ongoing white ball series against New Zealand and the subsequent Tests (first two games) against Australia.

At a press conference following India’s triumph over New Zealand in the second ODI in Raipur on Saturday (January 21), Shami was asked how much Team India were missing Bumrah. He replied:

“The absence of good players is always felt. But if a player a gets injured, the game doesn’t stop. We do miss him because he is a good bowler. We are hopeful that he returns soon so that the team gets even stronger. He is working on his fitness, and we are waiting for him to join the Indian team and complete the setup.”

Incidentally, Shami replaced Bumrah in Team India’s 15-member T20 World Cup 2022 squad for Australia after the latter was ruled out. Bumrah has been India’s standout performer with the ball over the last few years, claiming 319 wickets across formats.

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“Everyone’s workload is being managed very well” - Mohammed Shami

Even as Bumrah is working his way back towards full fitness, there are concerns over the workload of other bowlers.

India have suffered multiple injury blows in recent months. While stating that he prefers to play matches, Shami, though, said that the workload of all players is being managed properly. He elaborated:

“I always like playing matches. I feel it is better than practice because your reality is visible there. So, it is better to play as many matches as you can ahead of a big tournament. Obviously, everyone’s workload is being managed and is being managed very well. I am hoping the main players and seniors stay in a good zone and setup ahead of the big tournaments.”

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, another key member of the Indian team, has not played any international cricket since the Asia Cup last year. He has been named in the squad for the first two Tests against Australia, but his availability is subject to fitness.