Team India Cannot Afford To Drop Mohammed Shami

Shami was ignored for four World Cup matches before he seized his opportunity. Here is why he should be first choice

- Sumit Chakraberty

Mohammed Shami should have been in the Indian playing 11 from the very outset of the 2023 ODI World Cup. His 5 for 51 against Australia in an ODI series right before the tournament indicated he would make a lethal combination with fellow pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. But he warmed the benches for India's first four matches, before getting an opportunity. He is now undroppable.

His 5 for 54 against New Zealand in Dharamsala on 22 October was a match-winning performance. Shami's breakthrough after a 159-run third wicket stand and back-end dismissals bowled the Kiwis out for 273 when they looked set to cross 300. That India lost 6 wickets and took 48 overs to reach that target underscored the value of their bowling effort.

Shami followed that up by combining with Jasprit Bumrah to demolish England in Lucknow on 29 October. The defending champions held India down to 229/9 and got off to a quick start of 30 in the first 5 overs before running into the BumrahShami jugalbandi. Bumrah removed Dawid Malan and Joe Root off consecutive balls and Shami did the same to Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow. It was mesmerising.