Asia Cup 2022: Mohammed Shami Is The Best Option For India; Opines Ex-India Pacer Irfan Pathan
Published - 07 Sep 2022, 06:21 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:12 AM
Following India’s second consecutive loss in the Asia Cup 2022 Super 4s stage, this time against Sri Lanka, ex-India pacer Irfan Pathan made a strong suggestion. Pathan opined Rohit Sharma and Co cannot get a better option than Mohammad Shami to operate with the new ball for the T20 World Cup slated to be held in Australia later this year.
Shami has not featured in the Indian T20I side since the World Cup last year. Although the 32-year-old has played just 17 T20Is thus far, he excelled for the Gujarat Titans in their title-winning run in IPL 2022.
Indian bowlers failed to deliver in crunch moments
The Indian bowlers have been found wanting in the ongoing Asia Cup 2022 as the Men in Blue failed to defend 182 and 174-run targets against Pakistan and Sri Lanka respectively in their first two fixtures of the Super 4 stage and are almost eliminated from the tournament.
Echoing on the same lines during a discussion on Star Sports, Pathan cast his vote for Shami to be brought back into the Indian team’s scheme of things for the World Cup.
Irfan Pathan (Image Credit: Instagram)Pathan explained, “The team you chose, you didn’t use the sixth bowler, and you didn’t get the result you wanted from the other five bowlers. Now there is an opportunity here whether a bowler can come in the World Cup race who can help the Indian team. I feel if you are looking for only the new ball, you will not get a better option than Mohammad Shami.”
Mohammed Shami is the most promising Indian bowler going by experience and form
While acknowledging that there are other options as well, Pathan pointed out an area where the Bengal pacer scores over them. The former India all-rounder said:
“There are a lot of bowlers who have raised their hands, there are options, but they are young and inexperienced. If you see experience and form, Mohammad Shami is furthest ahead.”
