IND vs BAN: Chances High For Mohammed Shami To Be Included In Playing XI As India Gears Up To Face Bangladesh - Report

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has secured a place in the Indian team’s final 12-player squad for the upcoming clash against Bangladesh in the ICC World Cup 2023. However, Mohammed Shami making it to the playing XI will depend on the pitch conditions in Pune.

The Rohit Sharma-led team is set to face the Bangladesh team in their fourth match of the tournament, which will take place at the MCA Stadium on Thursday, October 19. The Men in Blue enter their next match with an impressive record of three consecutive victories.

Shardul Thakur Was Preferred Over Mohammed Shami In First Three Games

The debate leading up to the match revolves around whether Shami should replace Shardul Thakur in the playing XI. Thakur has been favored for his batting skills, but with the Indian batting performing exceptionally well, there’s a chance Shami might be considered, as per Cricbuzz.

Mohammed Shami is the third-highest wicket-taker for Team India in the ODI World Cup, having taken 31 wickets in 11 matches at an impressive average of 15.70, with his best of 5/69. The veteran pacer represented the national team in two previous ODI World Cups.

It Is Never An Easy Decision – Paras Mhambrey

Speaking ahead of the India-Bangladesh match on Wednesday, Team India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey acknowledged that leaving out a quality player like the veteran pacer was a tough decision.

“See, honestly, it is never an easy decision. But I think the conversations are around, we had a clear chat with him. Whenever we select a squad, the message from us is very clear. That we pick a squad we feel is the best for that wicket. And I think sometimes you will miss out. Someone like him is missing out, someone like Ash will miss out,” Mhambrey told reporters.

“And I think that’s the communication that we have with him, we are very clear. Difficult decision, honestly, even with the quality that he brings to the team, new ball, death, it is difficult to take that decision. But you have to make that decision, you only have eleven on the field,” he added.

Ravichandran Ashwin was named in the playing XI for the first game against Australia in Chennai. However, Shardul Thakur returned to the lineup for the next two games as the conditions were not favorable to the spinners.

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