In the ICC World Cup 2023, one such twist involves veteran pacer Mohammad Shami stepping into the spotlight as a force to be reckoned with. With all-rounder Hardik Pandya absent due to an ankle injury, Shami has not only seized his opportunity but also made himself undroppable in the Indian squad.
The absence of Hardik Pandya and all-rounder Shardul Thakur created an opening for Shami and Suryakumar Yadav to make their mark on the Indian cricket stage. They were called upon for a crucial match against New Zealand, and they delivered in style. Suryakumar showcased his middle-order prowess, contributing 49 runs off 47 balls. However, Shami stole the show with a stunning four-wicket haul, equalling a record at Lucknow.
Shami’s brilliance didn’t stop with the New Zealand encounter. He continued to shine in the high-voltage clash against England, solidifying his position as a key player for the Men In Blue. The pace ace displayed a remarkable performance, leaving the England lineup tatters. His incredible bowling was pivotal in India’s victory against the defending champions.
Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson, known for his all-round abilities, weighed in on Shami’s sensational comeback into the Indian XI. Watson’s opinion was clear: Shami had even claimed the spot of his teammate Mohammed Siraj in the current lineup.
According to Watson, India faces a pleasant problem – having abundant talented players. Shami’s exceptional performance in the last two games has made him undroppable. Watson emphasized, “He’s been incredible.”
“It’s a great problem for India to have. That’s a sign of a team in incredible form, where all the players are putting their hands up and playing at their best. In my mind, Shami has taken over Siraj’s spot because of the way he’s bowled in the last two games. He’s been incredible,” Watson explained.
Shami’s statistics in the ICC World Cup 2023 speak volumes about his prowess. He boasts the lowest bowling average (minimum 20 wickets) in the 50-over edition of the tournament. Shami surpasses renowned names like Geoff Allott, Michael Holding, Shane Bond, and Shaheen Afridi on this exclusive list.
Notably, the 32-year-old pacer ranks as India’s third-highest wicket-taker in the 50-over format of the World Cup, with an impressive tally of 40 wickets in 13 innings. Only former India pacers Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath have taken more wickets than Shami at the World Cup.
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Watson described Shami’s bowling at its best as nearly unplayable. His ability to swing the ball both ways and consistently hit the stumps makes him a nightmare for batters. Shami’s accuracy and knack for asking tough questions of the opposition make him a valuable asset for the Indian cricket team.
“When Shami is at his best, as we saw against England, he’s so difficult to play. He can beat any batter on the outside or the inside. And because his length is so accurate, it’s always hitting the stumps. He’s always in there asking questions. It was unfortunate that Hardik went down injured. But that meant that Shami got an opportunity, and for me, he’s surpassed Siraj because of how he’s been bowling,” Watson added.
In an unfortunate turn of events, Hardik Pandya’s injury paved the way for Shami to step up, and he did so with great authority. His outstanding performances have not only earned him recognition but also a secure spot in the Indian squad.
