Mohammed Shami Or Jasprit Bumrah? Gautam Gambhir Picks India's Leading Wicket-taker In World Cup

Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir made a prediction regarding the leading wicket-taker for the Men in Blue during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Gautam Gambhir backed Mohammed Shami over Jasprit Bumrah to secure more wickets in the marquee tournament.

Bumrah and Shami have been standout performers for India in the World Cup. Bumrah has secured 15 wickets in eight matches, while Shami has bagged 16 wickets in just four games. Shami registered bowling figures of 5/54, 4/22, 5/18, and 2/18 after making his comeback.

People Do Not Take On Jasprit Bumrah – Gautam Gambhir

In a conversation with Sportskeeda, Gautam Gambhir highlighted that teams tend to play cautiously against Bumrah, making it tougher for him to claim wickets. Gambhir stated that Shmai might secure more wickets due to this strategy.

“I think Shami because people do not take on Jasprit Bumrah. He’s too good a bowler for an opposition to take him on. A lot of times, the best bowler will not have the most number of wickets. The reason is that the opposition thinks let’s see him off. If you observe Jasprit Bumrah’s initial spell, no one wants to take him on. A lot of times, the team’s best bowler would have a very good economy rate, but he won’t have a lot of wickets,” Gambhir told Sportskeeda.

Shami hadn’t been part of India’s playing XI in the first few matches. However, Hardik Pandya’s injury against Bangladesh led to Shami’s induction as a specialist pacer. The Bengal fast bowler was preferred over Shardul Thakur as their third seamer in the last four matches.

Jasprit Bumrah Is The X-Factor – Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir believes Mohammed Shami will secure more wickets as teams target him due to the threat posed by Bumrah. The former Indian opener described Jasprit Bumrah as the X-factor of the team.

“I feel Shami [will take more wickets], from the point of view that oppositions will look to attack him because of Jasprit Bumrah. And he’s bowling one change. I still feel Jasprit Bumrah is the X factor in the team. This Indian team is such a strong team because of him. But Shami will have more wickets,” Gambhir concluded.

Also read: IND vs SA: Gautam Gambhir Reveals Reason Behind Giving His PoTM Award To Virat Kohli In 2009