Madan Lal raises doubts about India’s T20I squad’s omission of Mohammed Shami.
Madan Lal raises doubts about India’s T20I squad’s omission of Mohammed Shami. Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal has questioned the decision to leave Mohammed Shami out of the 15-person squad for the ICC T20 World Cup. However, even though the Indian pacer didn’t make the cut, he will still go to Australia as a backup.
Shami was taken out of India’s T20I plans after last year’s T20 World Cup. However, after the team did badly in the Asia Cup 2022, he was brought back for the T20I series against South Africa and Australia. Madan Lal said that Shami should have been chosen for the T20 World Cup team because the weather in Australia would help his skill.
Madan Lal says that Mohammed Shami is essential for big games.
After making his international debut in 2013, the 32-year-old has only played 17 T20Is for the Indian squad. However, in IPL 2022, the 32-year-old took 20 wickets in 16 games and was an important part of Gujarat Titans’ first-ever title win.
Speaking to IANS, Madan Lal said, “He (Shami) is your big match bowler. And in Australia he could be really important. I don’t understand why he is not in the 15-man squad. He is a kind of bowler who, in the first three overs, can get you wickets.”
Madan Lal says that Mohammed Shami would do well in Australia.
“I am happy that Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel are back in the team. Their fitness will be monitored in upcoming series as well. Arshdeep Singh is learning well, Bhuvi is also there but India should have added Shami in the squad. He is your experienced bowler and conditions Down Under can help him.”
“See you need a good bowling unit if you want to win the tournament. No matter if your team scores 180 but you do not have good bowling to defend it. They (India) picked three spinners for Australia. I don’t think spinners can get many benefits out there. On one odd day or wicket, they can be useful but for the entire tournament, you need a solid pace bowling unit there in Australia.”