Former Indian selector Saba Karim feels Mohammad Shami can surely find a place in the team’s T20 World Cup squad if Jasprit Bumrah remains unavailable due to injury. Shami has all the experience under his belt but he doesn’t receive the backing of the selectors in the T20I format.
Shami had last played in the T20I format for the national team in the 2021 T20 World Cup. Since then he hasn’t been considered for selection in the shortest format of the game.
On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the Asia Cup due to a back injury. Bumrah had last played on the tour of England.
Bumrah is India’s best bowler across all three formats and he is expected to be fit for the T20 World Cup, which will begin in October.
Meanwhile, Saba Karim feels Deepak Chahar can also be a good option as he can provide early breakthroughs with the new ball.
Saba Karim said while talking to India News Sports, “If someone has to come in for Jasprit Bumrah, then we must consider someone who is experienced and also someone who has done well in T20 cricket in recent times. Mohammad Shami and Deepak Chahar seem to be the top contenders for that role as they have the ability to pick wickets with the new ball.
In fact, Shami had done a fine job for Gujarat Titans in the IPL. The right-arm fast bowler had scalped 20 wickets in 16 matches and played a key role in taking his team to glory. Furthermore, he conceded his runs at an economy rate of eight.
“Shami did well in the IPL and was in great form. He can surely find a place in the playing XI for the World Cup if the selectors give him enough chances before the tournament.”
Former Indian all-rounder Reetinder Singh Sodhi believes Mohammad Shami has an outside chance in the T20 World Cup.
“India will have to go with an experienced player if Bumrah is not available. The team will struggle if they go ahead with just young pacers. You cannot take such chances for the World Cup where every match will be crucial Shami has an outside chance.
“He may not be in the scheme of things right now and it remains to be seen how quickly can he can build confidence as there isn’t much time left.”
India will begin their T20 World Cup against Pakistan at the iconic MCG.
