Both boomra and Jadeja will miss the star event Down Under later this month due to injury.
While Jadeja was ruled out with a knee injury, a back injury put Bumrah out of World Cup contention, dealing a severe blow to India’s chances at the showpiece event.
“Bumrah not being here, Jadeja not being here – it embarrasses the team – but it’s an opportunity to unearth a new champion,” Shastri said when launching Coaching Beyond, his new initiative with B Arun. and R Sridhar.
“(Bumrah’s injury) is unfortunate. There’s so much cricket being played and people are getting injured. He’s injured, but it’s an opportunity for someone else. There’s nothing you can do. do with an injury,” he added.
Although a replacement for Bumrah has yet to be named, head coach Rahul Dravid said Mohammad Shami could replace his teammate if he returns to full fitness after recovering from COVID-19.
Shami, who is on the standby list for the ICC event alongside Deepak Chahar, has not played competitive cricket since July and was forced to miss all six home games against Australia and Africa South after contracting COVID-19.
But Shastri believes the success and experience of veteran pacers in Australia will benefit India.
“Precisely, his experience (in Australian conditions is his strength). India has been there a lot over the last six years and he has been an integral part of all these tours. So this experience (of having done well in Australia ) account. ”
The 60-year-old feels that despite the injuries, the Indian side have enough depth to go further in the tournament Down Under.
“I think we have enough strength and we have a good team. If you reach the semi-finals, it could be anyone’s tournament.
“So the effort would be to start well, to reach the semi-finals, and then you will have enough strength to probably win the (World) Cup.”
