Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes Mohammed Shami is not yet an automatic pick in the playing XI for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021. In the recently concluded ICC World Test Championship, Shami was the pick-of-the-bowlers for India.
In a video shared on Aakash Chopra’s youtube channel, he was asked whether Mohammed Shami would be able to replicate his WTC bowling form during the ICC T20 World Cup, later this year.
Aakash responded that the right arm seamer is not a certainty for India.
“Shami is not an automatic choice. You want him to be there. He did well for Kings XI Punjab in Dubai but he was just about okay for Punjab Kings here. He was coming back from injury and did not have the rhythm.”
Focus #mshami11 #gta #fitness pic.twitter.com/oilXJ4dYZ5
— 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) June 25, 2021
If Mohammed Shami performs well in the Indian Premier League, which is scheduled just before the T20 World Cup, he could be back in India’s scheme of things, stated Aakash Chopra.
“if you talk about t20, it is the one format where Shami doesn’t walk into the team straight away. but if the player keeps on doing well, he will play the five tests and then the IPL, if he is carrying forward that form, of course, why not,”
Mohammed Shami’s T20 numbers aren’t great: Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra also highlighted that Shami’s stats in T20 cricket haven’t been great. Mohammed Shami has picked 68 wickets in 71 games, in the Indian Premier League and has not been as economical as other Indian pacers are. He has scalped 12 T20 International wickets for India so far and has conceded runs at an economy rate of 9.80.
“Shami’s T20 numbers are alright. They haven’t been extraordinary ever. And because of that, he is not part of every T20 team as well. Especially if you see this team, you will put Bumrah in this T20 Team without any hesitation. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Deepak Chahar are ahead of him on this list or standing at par. Then there will be T Natarajan. You will want to consider him as soon as he is fit and available.” added Aakash Chopra.
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