Twenty20 World Cup | India has enough strength to win the T20 WC, says Ravi Shastri

India commence their campaign with a blockbuster match against arch-rival Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 23.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that despite the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, the team has enough firepower to do well in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.

After winning the inaugural edition in 2007, India’s record at the global T20 event has been sub-par.

“I think we have got enough strength. We are a good team and if you make the semis, it could be anyone’s tournament.

“So the endeavour will be to start well, get to the semis and then you have enough strength to win the cup,” said Shastri.

When asked about how big a hit will the absence of Bumrah be, the former India skipper and commentator said, “With Bumrah not being there, Jadeja not being there, it hampers a side but it is also an opportunity to unearth a new champion. “There is so much cricket being played, people can get injured easily but there is nothing you can do about an injury.”

On the option of Mohammed Shami as a replacement, Shastri said, “India has been there (in Australia) a lot in six years and he has been an integral part of all those tours and that experience counts.”

Shastri was in the city on Thursday for the launch of Coaching Beyond cricket academy at the Lalaji Memorial Omega International School.