‘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 : –