Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer has backed Deepak Chahar to replace Jasprit Bumrah in the T20 World Cup squad. Bumrah has been ruled with a back injury and Chahar will have to fill in the big shoes if he replaces India’s ace paceman.
Jaffer feels Chahar might get the edge over bowlers like Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj as he has played in the recent past. Chahar was consistently part of the series against Australia and South Africa and he did a decent job with the ball.
Chahar can get the ball to swing both ways and he can be an asset in the PowerPlay overs. Furthermore, Chahar has the skills to provide crucial runs while batting in the lower order. However, he could be expensive while bowling in the death overs as he had conceded 48 runs in the third T20I against South Africa at Indore.
“I think, I probably see Deepak Chahar being the replacement because he is getting to play and he is going to play again in the ODIs and it makes sense, he is somebody who is bowling well and he is someone who can contribute with the bat as well. He is a quality new-ball bowler and I do not think he lacks variation. If you give him the odd over at the death, he can do something about it,” Jaffer said during a discussion on ESPNcricinfo.
On the other hand, Mohammad Shami was expected to return to T20I action in the series against Australia and South Africa but he tested positive for Covid-19. Ergo, Shami doesn’t have enough game time in the recent past under his belt.
“Shami has not played any cricket so it will be unfair to put him straight into the T20 World Cup squad without any game time. If he is selected, he would get a couple of practice games but to put him straight into T20 World Cup without any match practice, it will be unfair. So, I think probably looks like Deepak Chahar might be that replacement,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid have hinted that they might back Mohammad Shami in the T20 World Cup. Both Shami and Chahar are part of India’s standby players for the T20I showpiece.
The Chetan Sharma-led selection panel will announce Bumrah’s replacement in a few days.
