World Cup: India ought to play Mohammed Shami forward of Shardul Thakur for Afghanistan match, says Anil Kumble

Former India captain Anil Kumble believes India ought to play Mohammed Shami forward of Shardul Thakur within the group-stage match in opposition to Afghanistan in Delhi on October 11. Shami took 4 wickets, together with a hat-trick, in India’s World Cup match in opposition to Afghanistan in 2019. However, Shami didn’t play in India’s opening match in opposition to Australia, and it’s but to be seen if he might be named within the XI for Wednesday’s sport in opposition to Afghanistan.

“I know India have used Shardul Thakur, but I would lean towards having a Mohammed Shami in terms of quality and ability that he brings in because you look at Afghanistan, Gurbaz has been their go-to player and he is in great form, so you would want to get Gurbaz early with three quality opening bowlers,” Anil Kumble mentioned whereas talking on ESPNCricinfo.

India might be on the lookout for a near-perfect sport in opposition to Afghanistan within the ODI World Cup in New Delhi on Wednesday after navigating some intense stress moments of their event opener. India could also be pressured to make a change within the bowling division. India’s bowling efficiency in opposition to Australia was flawless, with as many as six wickets falling within the center overs. If India doesn’t convey three spinners, Mohammad Shami can exchange R Ashwin, who had a very good outing in Chennai. That could possibly be the lone change to the beginning lineup.

India have made it clear within the run-up to the World Cup that they won’t choose all 4 of their best bowlers on the similar time. When they have been at or close to full energy, they practically invariably chosen three of them, plus two actual allrounders in Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja, and one extra allrounder at No. 8. Depending on the pitch and opponent, this third allrounder is perhaps Thakur or a 3rd spinner or Shami.

Published On:

Oct 10, 2023