Mohammed Shami Unlikely To Be Selected In ODI And T20I Teams Despite World Cup Heroics: Report
Published - 02 Dec 2023, 11:49 AM
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While fans around the world will be eager to witness Mohammed Shami in action in white-ball cricket once again, following his stunning performances in the recently-concluded World Cup, reports suggest that the India pacer is unlikely to participate in any ODIs or T20Is in the near future.
The right-arm pacer enjoying a stunning campaign in the World Cup and was one of the main reasons behind India’s dominating run to the final. Despite being benched in the first four games, he finished the tournament as the leading wicket-taker. In just 7 games, Mohammed Shami picked up 24 wickets with the help of three five-wicket hauls that included a sensational 7-wicket haul against New Zealand in the semifinal.
However, he is unlikely to play any white-ball game in the coming days in order to stay fit and prolong his Test career. According to a report in PTI, the fast-bowler is currently nursing an ankle injury. Recently, he was not named in India’s ODI and T20I squads but was included in the Test squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa. His availability for the Tests will also depend on his fitness status.
“It is learnt for the time being, Shami won’t play white-ball games as there are seven Test matches, including five against England at home, and the ‘Amroha Express’ is expected to play a big role in the sub-continental conditions where the ball reverses a lot,” reported news agency PTI.
Will Mohammed Shami play the T20 World Cup?
While Mohammed Shami will not be playing in white-ball formats in recent future, he is still in contention to play the next year’s T20 World Cup. The next edition of the World Cup is scheduled to be played in the Caribbeans and the United States in June 2024. Mohammed Shami’s participating in the tournament will depend on his performance in the IPL.
“Whether Shami will play in next year’s T20 World Cup will depend on how he fares in the Indian Premier League, where he has had two good seasons for the Gujarat Titans,” the report added.
Meanwhile, India’s tour of South Africa will get underway this month. It will start with the T20I series on December 10 while the Tests will begin on December 26. India are scheduled to play 3 T20Is, 3 ODIs and 2 Tests against the Proteas.
