IND vs AUS: Mohammed Shami's exclusion enrages former Indian star, openly revolts against Team India

Sanjay Manjrekar believes that India faces an uphill task to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia without Mohammed Shami. Manjrekar further said that India’s bowling attack for the upcoming Australia looks vulnerable because of Mohammed Siraj’s form.

The former Indian cricketer mentioned that Jasprit Bumrah is in great form, but he will not have those strong helping hands with the red cherry, like in the past tours when Mohammed Shami was available and he along with Mohammed Siraj were in red-hot form with the ball.

Sanjay Manjrekar questions India’s bowling depth in Mohammed Shami’s absence for Australia tour

Since Mohammed Shami is not fit for the upcoming much-awaited five-match Test series in Australia, Manjrekar is worried about India’s bowling attack and believes that someone like Nitish Kumar Reddy must step up and fulfill the role of the fourth seam-bowling option for Team India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Manjrekar said that Mohammed Shami’s fitness is the most unfortunate thing for the Indian cricket team. He also predicted that Australia's confidence won't be shaken by India's current bowling attack, as Jasprit Bumrah will bear the main load in leading the attack. He pointed out that if Mohammed Siraj regains his form, it would greatly strengthen India’s position.

India's seam attack looks weak: Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar said on Star Sports: “The most unfortunate thing is that if Shami is not fit, then the seam attack, which we were very proud of and because of which we have won so many matches in the last 3-4 years, there is a little problem in that because Bumrah's form is going well, Mohammed Siraj's form is a little off, and Shami is not at all.

So, bowling attack, I am sure Australia will not be too worried after seeing this attack because Bumrah will have a lot of responsibility this time. So, if Mohammed Siraj picks his form, it will be good for India. I am not worried about the youngsters because the fast-bowling culture has improved, and the quality of the steam bowlers is improving.”

Nitish Kumar Reddy can be India's third or fourth seam option

Manjrekar emphasized that any bowler with a strong mindset and a promising start could effectively fill the role of a third or fourth seamer, mentioning Nitish Reddy as a possible option for this all-rounder slot. However, he admitted that Mohammed Shami’s absence and Mohammed Siraj’s slight dip in form from his previous peak could present challenges to Team India on the Australia tour.

The cricket pandit further noted. “So, if someone has a good temperament and has a good start, then he will do his job as a third seamer or fourth seamer, who can be Nitish Reddy as a steaming all-rounder. But the biggest shock for India is that Shami is not there, and Siraj's form has gone down a little. Last time, he was at his peak of bowling.”

In the end, Manjrekar expressed his surprise that Prasit Krishna was picked for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, but Yash Dayal, who was on the radar, was overlooked by the national selectors. He was also surprised by Kundeep Yadav's injury news.

🗣️ @sanjaymanjrekar shares his concerns and insights on #TeamIndia's bowling attack and their lineup for the upcoming #ToughestRivalry. What’s your take on the squad? 🤔

📺 Don’t miss 👉 #AUSvINDonStar, 1st Test starts from FRI, 22 NOV! | #ToughestRivalry pic.twitter.com/HyBIj54mUz

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 26, 2024