The Indian cricket team’s bowling coach, Paras Mhambrey, has made it clear that the playing eleven will not include experienced bowlers Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Shami. This decision comes as India has displayed a remarkable performance in the ongoing World Cup, winning all three of their previous matches.
The Indian team began their World Cup journey with a convincing five-wicket victory over Australia, followed by an eight-wicket triumph against Afghanistan. In their most recent match, they defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by a significant margin. The team’s bowlers and batsmen have delivered standout performances, raising hopes for a third World Cup title for India.
Mhambrey, while acknowledging that leaving out players of the caliber of Shami and Ashwin is a challenging decision, emphasized the importance of maintaining the winning momentum. He stated, “We haven’t considered any changes from our perspective so far. We aim to keep the winning streak intact in the upcoming match.” Mhambrey further explained that every player is consulted before team selection, ensuring transparency in the decision-making process.
Notably, Mohammed Shami, with an impressive record of 31 wickets in 11 World Cup matches, will not find a place in the playing eleven. The team management, led by head coach Rahul Dravid, seems to have defined the roles and responsibilities of the players, which has resulted in Shami being sidelined.
While Shami has a stellar record in World Cup matches, he has not had an opportunity in the current World Cup. The team’s bowling attack has been well-managed by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur, with all-rounders like Hardik Pandya effectively contributing to the team’s performance.
Shardul Thakur, who offers an additional fast-bowling option, is being considered for the playing eleven. If the pitch conditions favor spin, the inclusion of spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja alongside Ashwin could be considered, replacing Shardul Thakur.
The Indian team, under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, has been displaying impressive leadership and team spirit. With the ongoing success in the World Cup, India is emerging as a strong contender for the title.
Former national selector MSK Prasad commended the team management’s decision, noting that Ashwin and Shardul have been effectively utilized. He believes that Shami could still get a chance in the playing eleven, especially if the team management decides to rest Mohammed Siraj.
The match against Bangladesh, scheduled for Thursday in Pune, promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams are determined to secure their positions in the World Cup. This high-stakes game will test the mettle of the Indian team and its strategic decision-making.
