T20 World Cup 2022: Bumrah’s absence is a big loss but facing Shami and Bhuvneshwar will be a challenge for Pakistan – Aaqib Javed

Former Pakistan fast bowler Aaqib Javed feels Jasprit Bumrah’s absence will be a big loss but facing Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be a challenge for Pakistan. Bumrah is India’s best bowler in all three formats of the game but he has been ruled out with a back injury.

However, Javed believes it is not going to be a cakewalk for Pakistan against the Indian seamers, who can get help in the Australian conditions. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is known to swing the ball both ways while Shami can get the ball to seam of the pitch.

However, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been expensive in recent times while Shami doesn’t have enough game time under his belt.

Javed feels Pakistan batters can not afford to be complacent against the Indian bowlers as they have the quality under their belt.

“It’s a big loss (Bumrah’s absence for India) but won’t make too much difference in these conditions (Australian),” Javed said in a video shared by paktv.tv on their YouTube channel.

He continued, “Bumrah ends up making a difference even on flat pitches, where there’s little swing on offer with his yorkers and bouncers. Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Mohammed Siraj are good seam bowlers. So Pakistan will have difficulties. Runs won’t come easy (for them).

“Although Pakistan bowlers have the edge over their India (counterparts) but in these conditions, they won’t be that weak. Shami is a very good seam bowler, especially when the pitch offers a little help (as well). Even Siraj does well (in such conditions). Bhuvneshwar is one of the best in seaming conditions,” he added.

On the other hand, Shaheen Shah Afridi, who recently recovered from a knee injury, will hold the key for Pakistan. The lanky paceman had obliterated India’s top order in the previous T20 World Cup and he will be once again lethal. Pakistan has a potent bowling line-up and Indian batters will have to be at their best against them.

“The cricket season has just started in Australia. The pitches will be a bit soft. If you focus on length and swing then bowlers will get more out of them. The way Shaheen manages to get the ball to swing late make these conditions ideal for him. Facing Shaheen, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf will be quite a challenge for Indian batters,” he said.

India and Pakistan will take on each other on Sunday but unfortunately, rain might play killjoy.