ICC T20 World Cup 2022: Siraj, Shami, Shardul to join Team India Down Under

Pacers Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami and Shardul Thakur will be joining Team India in Australia soon, even as pacer Deepak Chahar has been ruled out of the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup with a back injury. Among the standby players, Chahar was expected to make it to the central squad following the absence of prime pacer Jasprit Bumrah. But, it is understood that his back injury is not healing anytime soon.

"Deepak will take some time to get fit. His back issue has flared up again. His ankle is fine, and there wasn't any problem there. So, BCCI is sending three reinforcements. Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur," a BCCI official told PTI. Chahar competed in the Twenty20 International (T20I) series against South Africa but grew a back issue, forcing him to skip the ODIs. He reported to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for rehabilitation.

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It is understood that since the Indian side has time until October 15 to announce Jasprit Bumrah's replacement, the team management is taking time to check out the form and fitness of all three pacers. Their opportune arrival in Australia will give them enough time to acclimate to the Australian conditions. If their assistance is needed, they will be prepared for the competition.

Shami leads the race with his artistry and experience, but Siraj was flawless in the just-finished ODIs versus South Africa, where he arose as Player of the Series. In three games, Siraj nabbed five wickets, including three in the Ranchi ODI. Shardul, with his all-round capacities, will supply cover to fellow all-rounder Hardik Pandya, but most likely, he will be on the standby list.

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Ravi Bishnoi and Shreyas Iyer are improbable to traverse for now and would only enter the team if the group requests for a batter's reinforcement. Bishnoi will be transiting if there is an injury to leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.

(With inputs from PTI)