The Indian cricket team has been troubled for some time due to the injury of its big players, in which Jasprit Bumrah’s long-standing injury and Shreyas Iyer’s recent back problem are going to have the most impact.
Image Credit source: PTI
New Delhi: It is the year of the ODI World Cup, the tournament is to be held in India and in such a situation the Indian team is a natural contender for the title. How strong is this claim of Team India, it will be known to some extent from the 3-match ODI series against Australia. The challenge for Team India is also because it will have to enter this series without its star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, whose ability to play in the World Cup is not clear at the moment. Still, Team India’s vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah is not worried.
The first match of the three-match series between India and Australia will be played on Friday, March 17, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Only Hardik will take command of Team India in this match as regular captain Rohit Sharma has taken leave from this match. In such a situation, the onus of a good start to the series will be on Hardik’s shoulders. It is also challenging for them because Team India is struggling with the fitness problem of certain players.
Not much tension about Bumrah
A day before the match, captain Hardik Pandya was apparently questioned about the injury of the star players and how to fill their gap. When asked about Jasprit Bumrah’s injury and filling his place, Hardik said that he is not too worried about it. Pandya said,
There is no such long term plan. Jassi (Bumrah) has not been with the team for some time now. Our bowling group is playing a good role. They are all experienced now. Jassi’s presence makes a big difference but to be honest, we are not too bothered about it because the players who have played Jassi’s role, I am sure they will perform well.
Iyer’s absence effect
Not only Bumrah, but the latest blow to Team India has come from the injury of middle order star batsman Shreyas Iyer, who has been ruled out of the series due to back problems. Pandya admitted that Iyer’s absence would affect India’s preparations. He said, his (Iyer) absence will have an impact and of course we will miss him but if he doesn’t come back soon then we will have to find a solution. If he is in the team then it is welcome but if he doesn’t then there is a lot of time to reflect on how we have to move forward.
