1983 World Cup winner feels Shami's presence will boost Team India chances

1983 World Cup winning player Madan Lal believes that Mohammad Shami is a good replacement for injured Jasprit Bumrah in India's T20 World Cup squad as the veteran pacer can strike in the early phase of the innings.

India on Friday named Shami as the replacement for Bumrah in their final 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup in Australia. The Men in Blue begin their campaign against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 23.

Shami was initially named among the three-man list of reserve players, but eventually he was drafted into the main squad.

Lal -- a member of India's 1983 World Cup winning team -- said the absence of Bumrah is a big blow but the team needs to move ahead and back the others to do well.

"Bumrah is a good choice to replace Jasprit Bumrah for the World Cup, as he can give India wickets in the early phase of the innings," Lal to a news wire.

"Definitely, the loss of Bumrah is a big blow but the team can't keep thinking about it. All the 15 members who have been picked have done well for India, so we need to trust and back them," he added.

The 71-year-old is confident about India finding the right team composition.

"We have a solid team, which is full of match-winners. For me, they are one of the top contenders to win the World Cup," he said.

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