The IND vs.AUS clash is not far away, and it is hyped among cricket fans. The series is going to start in the iconic stadium of Mohali, the surface that helps pacers, and the former Indian batter wants India to go with three frontline pacers. He picked Mohammed Shami over Shardul Thakur for the first ODI against Australia.
In the Asia Cup 2023, India became champions. Shardul Thakur was the choice over the star bowler Mohammed Shami because of the Asia conditions. The veteran pacer had to be benched in Asia’s mega event. But now things and conditions are more pace-friendly, and Akash Chopra Akash Chopra helped Mohammed Shami play against Australia in the opening match in Mohali.
Go with Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj & Jasprit Bumrah- Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra was seen speaking on his You Tube channel and stated that the management should stick to the trio of Shami, Siraj & Bumrah for ODI WC 2023 and also mentioned that Shardul Thakur should be used as a secret weapon in the marquee ODI WC 2023.
“I feel Shami should be playing eleven without any doubt. When you play on a very flat surface, batting generally tends to cancel each other out. Both teams have good batting lineups. You might not need Shardul’s batting at number 9. You will have Ravindra Jadeja at 7 and Ashwin or Washington at 8. Play a proper bowler,” said Aakash Chopra.
“Go with Shami, Siraj, and Bumrah—go with your three proper pace bowlers. If this is a 325-350 pitch, you need bowlers. If you do not go with Tilak Varma, which is a possibility, then you won’t have the sixth bowling option in the match. You need five bowlers who do not have a chance of having a bad day. If anyone of them has a bad spell, they can actually bounce back,” he expressed.
Mohammed Shami an Asset
Mohammed Shami has been a consistent part of the team for the last few years in white-ball cricket and has been giving good performances. On the slow pitches, India preferred Shardul over him because India wanted to have a bowler who could bat a bit lower down the order.
But in the batting yard of Mohali, he has done well in the past. He also bowled beautifully in the Asia Cup when he played against Nepal and picked up one wicket and two wickets against Bangladesh. Mohammed Shami is quite expensive which somewhat disturbs the team’s dynamics.
Also read: ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: “Yuzvendra Chahal Is A Proven Player”- Harbhajan Singh