In the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, the Indian cricket team faces a delightful dilemma. The brilliant performance of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami in the last game has raised questions about India’s playing eleven. Shami’s sensational display and the impending return of star allrounder Hardik Pandya have created a selection puzzle that demands a thoughtful solution.
The Indian team had to change their playing eleven for the previous game against New Zealand. The reason behind this was the ankle injury star allrounder Hardik Pandya suffered during the match against Bangladesh. India opted to drop Shardul Thakur to make way for Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammed Shami.
Playing his first game in the ongoing tournament, Mohammed Shami seized the opportunity with both hands. The right-arm pacer showcased his skill and experience by taking an impressive five wickets for just 54 runs in his 10 overs. His remarkable performance earned him the Man of the Match title as India defeated New Zealand by 4 wickets, extending their winning streak to 5 games.
With Shami’s extraordinary performance, the Indian team management faces a tough call. The question arises: What will India’s playing eleven look like when Hardik Pandya returns to the side? Shami’s brilliant display makes him an undeniable contender for a permanent spot in the playing eleven.
Former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram, a legendary figure in the world of cricket, has offered valuable advice to the Indian team management. He believes that Shami is now ‘undroppable’ after his stunning performance against New Zealand. Akram emphasizes the importance of making sensible choices regarding the players’ fitness, suggesting that Pandya should only return when he is 100 percent recovered to avoid potential injuries.
“This squad looks good even without Pandya. If he is fit, then well and good, it will be difficult to drop Shami now. I feel India shouldn’t risk Pandya (against England) because if it’s an injury to a hamstring or quad, then although you feel good initially, you could pull a muscle in the match. So let him recover 100 percent, and then you can play him,” Wasim Akram told Sportskeeda.
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Wasim Akram lauded Shami’s ability to make the ball move and deviate unexpectedly when it hits the seam. He highlighted Shami as the player of the match, underscoring the critical role he played in India’s victory over New Zealand.
“Credit to the team management: whenever any player in the squad comes into the XI, he seems ready. When Shami’s ball hits the seam, it can deviate either way. That’s why I think Shami for me was the player of the match,” added Wasim Akram.
Team India’s next challenge awaits them on Sunday, October 29, as they face the reigning champions, England, in Lucknow. With five consecutive wins, the Men in Blue will aim for another victory. A win against England could all but secure their spot in the semifinals.
