Seam-up Shami making it count

Mohammed Shami is that singer who always starts as a backup vocalist and ends up holding centre stage.

- Rasesh Mandani

It happened in last year’s T20 World Cup where he wasn’t in the scheme of things for the whole of 2022, only to become the spearhead in Australia, after Jasprit Bumrah got injured.

Here in the home ODI World Cup, Shami was in the squad but not in the playing XI. He was the backup, in case either Bumrah or Siraj needed a break or suffered an injury. With the Indian team looking for batting depth, Shardul Thakur seemed to have the early nod — as he could bat and bowl.

But Shami, a specialist bowler, would need to wait. And he waited until Hardik Pandya picked up an injury. Suddenly, there was a chance with Thakur not looking convincing with the ball. And that is when Shami showed off his specialist chops.

Everyone already knew Shami was the better bowler. There was no debate there but the bigger debate was what his inclusion would mean for the balance of the team. Clearly, at the start of the tournament, the Indian team management wasn’t sure. But, now, he may have left them with little doubt.

Shami is expected to hold his place against Sri Lanka in Mumbai on Thursday, to try and keep up the good work. Well, who would drop him now. Shami was spectacular against England under lights at Lucknow. This time, he even had the figures (7-2-22-4) to back the claim. Which part of his evening revelry stood out?