Mohammed Shami’s prospects of playing against Bangladesh are probable, given that he is among the final 12 players selected by the Indian team. After captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid have evaluated the pitch at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium near Pune, the final playing XI will be selected.
The majority of the discussion preceding the encounter has centered on Shami, who has taken the most World Cup wickets among the current group. He has played in two World Cups, in Australia and England, but has yet to appear in this year’s tournament.
The primary debate leading up to the match is whether or not specialist pacer Shami should replace all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who is favored over the specialist pacer due to his batting abilities. As the Indian batting has performed exceedingly well in the World Cup, there is a possibility that Shami will be included in the playing XI.
Shami has taken 31 wickets in the World Cup, a number he shares with Anil Kumble. This puts him in a list led by Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath, both with 44 wickets. Kapil Dev (28) and Jasprit Bumrah (26) are the other prominent wicket-takers for India.
“See, honestly, it is never an easy decision. But I think the conversations are around, we had a clear chat with him. Whenever we select a squad, the message from us is very clear. That we pick a squad we feel is the best for that wicket. And I think sometimes you will miss out. Someone like him is missing out, someone like Ash will miss out,” India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey had said on the eve of the game.
“And I think that’s the communication that we have with him, we are very clear. Difficult decision, honestly, even with the quality that he brings to the team, new ball, death, it is difficult to take that decision. But you have to make that decision, you only have eleven on the field,” Mhambrey had said on the difficulty of leaving veteran pacer out.
