‘You can’t replace Bumrah’ - Rohan Gavaskar highlights importance of India's pace spearhead

Former India cricketer Rohan Gavaskar has heaped praise on pacer Jasprit Bumrah and has highlighted his importance in the national side.

The 28-year-old pacer is currently nursing a back injury, and is in the National Cricket Academy (NCA) while the management is waiting for official confirmation regarding his fitness. It is understood that Bumrah is not fully ruled out of the T20 World Cup as the side is optimistic of his return to the squad for the competition.

Bumrah missed out on the Asia Cup 2022 as he was sidelined due to the same injury but made his return in the T20I series against Australia. However, shortly after playing the series at home, it was reported that Bumrah could be out of the World Cup squad.

Gavaskar highlights importance of Bumrah

Bumrah's presence is paramount to India's chances in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Rohan Gavaskar on Sports18 explained the right arm pacer’s value and how he is an integral part of the team.

“You can’t replace Jasprit Bumrah and what he brings to the team. Any team that has Jasprit Bumrah has an advantage whether it’s any team in the world, if you have Bumrah in your bowling attack it’s an advantage. For me, if I had to pick a bowling XI, he’s the first pick from the bowling side of things."

"So, India has definitely missed out on an advantage, that’s for sure, but is it a loss? I’m not so sure you can call it a loss, because how many T20 internationals has Jasprit actually played in the last year and a half? So, I think the Indian team have sort of gotten used to not having him in the side and have made plans accordingly,” said Gavaskar.

Bumrah seems to be the answer to India's death bowling woes. He is known for nailing yorkers with sheer precision and hence if he's ruled out then that will adversely affect the team.