Mohammed Shami Bengal
Photo Credit: (Getty Images)

Mohammed Shami, a veteran Indian bowler who last competed in a T20 International match for India in November 2021 against Namibia, has been re-included as one of the four reserves for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

India will be hoping to put on a strong performance and win their second T20 World Cup title when the T20 mega event takes place this year in Australia.

BCCI (Image Credits: Twitter)
BCCI (Image Credits: Twitter)

On Monday, September 12, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released the 15-player squad for the match, which also included four reserves. Shami’s name stood out among the four reserves since it was evident that he had been informed after the T20 World Cup last year that he would never again play for India in T20 Internationals.

Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami. (Photo: Twitter)

However, Shami was given the opportunity after Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel suffered injuries, and young Indian fast bowlers put on a lacklustre performance in the just-finished Asia Cup. In the forthcoming three-match series against Australia, he will make his return to the Indian team after a ten-month absence, and he will thereafter play matches against South Africa.

Mohammed Shami cannot be selected directly for the T20 World Cup: BCCI

Shami is now a reserve for the T20 World Cup, but if he meets certain requirements, he might still be included in the 15-person roster. Shami will be keenly watched throughout the India vs. Australia T20I series, a member of the selection committee has stated, and one slip-up in performance or an injury to anyone can earn Shami a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad.

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Shami, on the other hand, will need to make the most of the few opportunities he will get to show what he is capable of.

Jasprit Bumrah And Mohammed Shami (Image Credits: Twitter)
Jasprit Bumrah And Mohammed Shami (Image Credits: Twitter)

“Someone who hasn’t played for 10 months in T20Is cannot be selected directly for the T20 World Cup. There was a process that was followed. Harshal Patel made the most during his absence. And it cannot be overlooked. Had Harshal or Jasprit not recovered, Shami could have been selected. He too has to follow the process,” a selection committee member told InsideSport.

As per reports, in the event of an injury, Mohammed Shami will be favored over Deepak Chahar to make the main team.

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