Reports: Mohammed Siraj or Mohammed Shami in line to replace Jasprit Bumrah in India's squad for T20 World Cup 2022

BCCI, on Monday (October 3), confirmed that pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the upcoming T20 World Cup. It has certainly come as a blow for the Men in Blue who were banking on the fast bowler to come good during the tournament down under. Meanwhile, it has been understood that Mohammed Shami or Mohammed Siraj are in line to replace the ace pacer in India's squad for the mega event.

However, the decision will not be as straightforward as it looked earlier. Shami is among the four standby players named and was slated in the squad for the Australia T20Is. However, he tested positive for COVID-19 and didn't recover in time to even feature in the T20I series against South Africa.

According to reports in Cricbuzz, Shami could be included in the squad only after he proves his fitness. Notably, it has also been understood that the national selectors and the team management wanted the pace bowler to at least play a match before being considered for a World Cup berth. With that not happening now, it will be interesting to see how the situation pans out.

Siraj other alternative to replace Bumrah

Interestingly, Mohammed Siraj's name has come up as the other alterative to replace Jasprit Bumrah. He was named as Bumrah's replacement for the South Africa T20Is and seems set to play in the third and final T20I in Indore on Tuesday (October 4). 

India have rested Virat Kohli and KL Rahul for the final T20I having already sealed the series with the wins in the first couple of games. The team management is interested in giving a chance to the benched players and it remains to be seen who makes it to the playing XI.

Meanwhile, it has also been reported that a section in the Indian Cricket wanted to wait more on Bumrah before taking a final decision. But no clarity has been provided on that front as of now.