'India is really going to miss him' - Josh Hazlewood on Jasprit Bumrah's injury ahead of T20 World Cup 2022

Following the injury setback of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja from the T20 World Cup, it is now reportedly said that star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will also miss the prestigious competition due to an injury. Australian speedster Josh Hazlewood believes that Bumrah’s absence will hurt India, and dubbed him as the best bowler in T20s.

Due to the back ailment that prevented him from playing in the first T20I against South Africa, the 28-year-old, who had been spared for the Asia Cup 2022 and other series this year, is also uncertain about the T20 World Cup. Bumrah's skill was in sharp focus during India's second T20I match against Australia, as he claimed two wickets in the eight-over-a-side match, and the Australian skipper was one of them as Aaron Finch fell prey to Bumrah's perfect yorker.

“He’s probably the best bowler in T20s as far as I’m concerned. Seeing him go about his business in the IPL and international cricket, a couple of unbelievable yorkers throughout the last few games in India, his change of pace is phenomenal. They’re really going to miss him,” said the current No. 1 T20 bowlers Hazlewood while speaking to the media.

Indian Fans await BCCI's confirmation 

Bumrah’s exclusion from the World Cup has not yet been confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), but the ace bowler was ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing South Africa Series. The BCCI, on Friday morning, announced Mohammed Siraj as Bumrah’s replacement for the remaining two T20Is against the Proteas.

Bumrah had earlier missed the Asia Cup 2022, where India failed to qualify for the finals after performing brilliantly in the group stage. The Indian side lost two of their three games in the Super Four stage and ended up third on the points table. During that time, Bumrah had been at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru completing his rehabilitation.

The developments are yet to be confirmed by the BCCI, and the Men in Blue, alongside every Indian cricket fan, would be hoping for Bumrah’s timely recovery, ahead of the marquee event in Australia.