Mohammed Shami was one of the significant factors in India’s performance in the recently concluded ODI World Cup. Mohammed Shami‘s stellar performances with the ball gave him 24 wickets in seven matches at a strike rate 12.2 and an average of 10.70.
Sadly, the intensity and effort of the World Cup have taken a toll on Mohammed Shami. His ankle injury will not heal in time for the test matches against South Africa at this month’s end. A fast bowler’s curse is the punishment his body takes for the price of pace and swing.
Mohammed Shami has done well for India in Tests. He has 229 wickets from 64 matches. His record against South Africa is 35 wickets in 8 Tests. Given his recent performance in the World Cup, Shami would have been lethal in South Africa. The weather and the windy conditions are ideal for Shami, and India will miss him badly.
With his ability to swing the ball both ways, Mohammed Shami’s pace and length would have been ideal for India- Aakash Chopra
South Africa has always been the favorite hunting ground for swing bowlers. India generally plays with 3 to 4 seamers with a lone spin option. We shall see if India follows the same pattern or brings two spin options with Jadeja and Ashwin.
Who will replace Shami? The cards are decked in favor of Prasidh Krishna or Mukesh Kumar. But no matter which player gets the opportunity to play, it will be impossible to fill those big shoes.
“Mohammed Shami is an amazing player. You are filled with pride with the kind of World Cup he had. He won’t be there. He has an injured ankle. In my opinion, it’s a big problem because when you think about Mohammed Shami, you see wickets with the new and old balls.” Aakash Chopra recently expressed his disappointment on his YouTube channel.
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