Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir predicts that in the 2023 World Cup, Mohammed Shami will surpass Jasprit Bumrah in terms of wickets. Gambhir suggests that while Bumrah may have a commendable economy rate, Shami is expected to accumulate more wickets as the opponents are not going to take any risk on Bumrah.
Bumrah and Shami have been outstanding for India in the 2023 World Cup. Bumrah has secured 15 wickets in eight matches with an average of 15.53, whereas Shami has impressive figures, claiming 16 wickets in just four matches.
While having a conversation with Sportskeeda, Gautam Gambhir picked one between Bumrah and Shami who could be the possible highest wicket taker for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
“It’s a tough one. I think Shami because people do not take on Jasprit Bumrah. He’s too good a bowler for an opposition to take him on. A lot of times, the best bowler will not have the most number of wickets. The reason is that the opposition thinks let’s see him off. If you observe Jasprit Bumrah’s initial spell, no one wants to take him on. A lot of times, the team’s best bowler would have a very good economy rate, but he won’t have a lot of wickets.”
Shami was not part of India’s playing XI in the early matches of the 2023 World Cup. While talking about the Bumrah vs Shami debate, Aakash Chopra said that Shami will be the highest wicket-taker of India but Bumrah remains the X-factor of the team.
“I feel Shami [will take more wickets], from the point of view that oppositions will look to attack him because of Jasprit Bumrah. And he’s bowling one change. I still feel Jasprit Bumrah is the X factor in the team. This Indian team is such a strong team because of him. But Shami will have more wickets,” he commented.
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“Sensational, incredible, mind-boggling to be honest. I think I have not used these word a lot for any,” Gambhir concluded, when asked to describe the fast-bowling duo.
