Former India coach makes Champions Trophy prediction says, “Mohammed Shami will be a good bet in Dubai”
Mohammed Shami is set to play a crucial role for India in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, especially with JaspritBumrah ruled out due to injury. Despite a recent return to international cricket after a 14-month absence due to a knee injury, Shami is being relied upon for his experience, particularly given the relative inexperience of fellow pacers HarshitRana and Arshdeep Singh.
While Shami’s comeback hasn’t been explosive, his ability to swing the ball and deliver accurate Yorkers remains a valuable asset. Former India fielding coach Robin Singh believes Shami’s control and seam position will be advantageous at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where the ball tends to skid under the lights. Gavaskar praised Shami’s seam position during the third T20I against England.
However, concerns have been raised about Shami’s rhythm and pace. Aakash Chopra noted that Shami has not yet hit top gear since his return and has suffered a drop in pace. Despite this, Shami’s experience and past performances, including a stellar 2023 World Cup where he took 24 wickets in just seven games, make him a key player for India. Shami has played in Dubai before, providing valuable experience.
Shami’s recent stats show he is finding his form. In the recent matches against England, Shami took 3/25 in Wankhede. Shami’s comeback is not just pivotal for India’s T20 setup but also holds immense significance as a precursor to the ICC Champions Trophy, which typically demands excellence in the ODI format.