‘Bumrah hota toh baat hi kuch aur hoti’ – Fans react to Ravi Shastri’s bold statement on Jasprit Bumrah’s absence from WTC final

The most anticipated Test match of the year is about to begin at The Oval on June 7, when world no. 1 India will take on Australia in the World Test Championship final. India, who finished second in the 2021 Lord’s final, is aiming for their first Test Mace as well as their first trophy in more than ten years. 

While Australia nearly missed out on the championship in the first cycle due to a slow-over rate penalty, they will now compete in their first final. Prior to the important game, former India head coach Ravi Shastri threw a big jab about the “favourites” label. 

The Indian team made the trip to London for the final with many injuries. Rishabh Pant continues to be rehabilitating from the horrible vehicle accident he sustained in December, while Bumrah hasn’t stepped foot in international cricket since September 2022 due to a recurring back issue. During the Indian Premier League 2023 season, KL Rahul had a hamstring ailment, while Shreyas Iyer is also sidelined with a back injury.

“If Bumrah was here, then I would say equal” – Ravi Shastri

Shastri, though, placed the most emphasis on Bumrah’s absence during a discussion on Star Sports. The former Indian all-rounder responded that Australia had a minor advantage without Bumrah by analysing the two bowling lineups and predicting who would win the match. He said, “Look at the pace attacks. Which side has the better attack? If Bumrah was here, then I would say equal, with Shami, Bumrah and Siraj. But now when you look at that Australian attack – Cummins and Starc, though Hazlewood is gone.”

Even though the Australians named the veteran Michael Nesser as a replacement, Ponting, who was a member of the panel, added to the Australian onslaught by saying that Steve Boland would be the best choice to fill in for the injured Hazlewood. Ponting said, “Nesser has obviously been doing great here in County cricket but Boland has got an excellent record. What we have seen in Australia is that when there is anything in the surface at all, he has just been about Australia’s best bowler. He will take Hazlewood’s place.”

Fans react to Ravi Shastri’s bold statement on Jasprit Bumrah’s absence from WTC final : –

Ravi Shastri said, "if Jasprit Bumrah was there in this bowling attack with Shami and Siraj, I would've said it's stable compared to Australia". (On Star Sports). pic.twitter.com/PkjrmoER6W

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 4, 2023

Deep inside, we all know it's going to be tough for India. Australia has brighter chances!

— Mahesh Sharma (@Mahesh2Sharma2) June 4, 2023

With Rishabh and Jasprit in Team India's Playing XI, it would've been 50:50 before the start of the WTC Final. It appears that at present, the Aussies hold an edge. But Cricket is a Game of Glorious Uncertainties. Let's hope for the BEST.

— @ Subhrajit_Dasgupta (@Subhrajit_Dg) June 5, 2023

Unpopular opinion over relying on bumrah with giving him long spells in test cost us his presence in limited overs format , his action anyways was gonna shorten his career

— Deepak Dua (@dduatweets) June 4, 2023

I’m more concerned about Rishabh pant not being there than bumrah

— ______poetic diary// (@Foxtrot_ca) June 4, 2023

Stable Indian sides never win abroad. It's always been the 2nd string of 3rd string that strikes a good balance.

— Vladimir Putin (@russianbear35) June 4, 2023

Hold on @RaviShastriOfc It was an attack of Shardul and Siraj that unstabled Aussies at Gabba..9 wickets amongst two .. same will happen here at Oval too..

— HARSHAD MANE (@harshad2103) June 4, 2023

The way i see it,india have better suited bowlers to england than australia

— ashvin (@ashvin71401207) June 4, 2023

Our bowling attack is very poor against Australia and Australia have an edge in this final,😁😁🙏🙏

— Sarthak Das🇮🇳 (@leosarthak1705) June 4, 2023

This would be great opportunity to prove his experience – Umesh yadav. i feel he will also be lethal and critical from a match stand point of view.

— Kushal Dave (@iamkushaldave) June 4, 2023

just wait for shardul magic

— Chakradhar (@iamChakku) June 4, 2023

Yes like we played with only 10 players in 2021 WTC final.

— Sanjay filmiboy (@Sanjaycsk13) June 4, 2023

feel sad for bumrah
he would have become next all format captain of india if he didnt get injured

— EARO (@Earo12345Earo) June 4, 2023