Indian captain Rohit Sharma responded to several burning questions at the just-finished Captains’ Day press conference on Saturday, covering topics like India’s impressive bench strength and providing an important update on Mohammed Shami, who will replace Jasprit Bumrah. Before the commencement of the championship tournament in Australia, the 16 captains held a combined news conference for the first time in the history of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. On Saturday in Melbourne, the T20 World Cup was formally proclaimed to have begun by the Captains’ Day event.

At the pre-tournament press conference in Melbourne, Rohit acknowledged that the absence of paceman Bumrah from Team India would be felt in the 2022 T20 World Cup. Senior pacer Shami has been added to India’s T20 World Cup team after pacer Bumrah was forced to withdraw due to a back ailment.

According to Indian captain Rohit, protecting Bumrah’s career was more crucial than putting the top bowler in danger during the T20 World Cup. “We discussed his injuries with several of the experts, but we did not get a satisfactory answer. Although the World Cup is significant, his career is more significant. He still has a lot of cricket to play; he’s just 27 or 28 “said Rohit.

Due to a back ailment, star pacer Bumrah also missed the whole Asia Cup. The injured pacer is anticipated to be out for at least another six weeks. “Therefore, we cannot assume such a risk. Every professional we talked with had the same viewpoint. He will play a lot more cricket in the years to come and will aid India in winning games. Without a question, he will be missed, “Richard said.

Shami, who just joined the Indian camp after testing COVID-19-negative, has taken the position of Bumrah. Shami’s last appearance for India was during the July tour of England. In preparation for the World Cup, Team India, under the leadership of Rohit, will play two exhibition games against New Zealand and Australia. On October 23, the 2007 world champions will play their first match against Pakistan.