Former Indian pacer feels that Mohammed Shami is out of contention for 20-20 world cup

Former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra feels that Mohammed Shami will not be considered for the upcoming 20-20 world cup in Australia. However, he feels that the seamer should be considered for the ODI World Cup next year.

Shami will be seen playing the rescheduled fifth Test of the series against England starting 1^st of July, 2022. India are leading the series by 2-1 and are on the brink of winning their fourth series in England. Shami’s lethal swing bowling will play a pivotal role in making history in England.

"Seems like he doesn't feature in the current scheme of things for the 20-20 World Cup. But we all know about his abilities. Even if he doesn't play in this year's 20-20 World Cup, India will definitely consider him for the 2023 World Cup at home. We don't have many ODIs this year and Shami is on a break at the moment after the Indian T20 League. India can play him in England for the 50-over games after the Test match," Nehra told Cricbuzz.

The 31-year-old pace bowler was India’s second-highest wicket-taker in both the 2015 and 2019 World Cups. Ever since his debut he has been a mainstay in the Indian pace attack and has a magnificent record in all forms of the game.

“You will play three ODI games against a top-quality white-ball team like England, and you would definitely love to beat them. And for that, you need your best bowlers. I would definitely take Shami in that bracket," Nehra added.

Earlier Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar was also highly impressed with Shami’s consistency and complimented him. Gavaskar also stated that Shami has to bowl long spells in test cricket and gives it his all on every delivery.

Speaking on a Star Sports broadcast, Gavaskar said, “Yes, he is somebody who can bowl long spells, sustain that pace, and can build pressure with every single delivery. You need somebody like that. He has been terrific as well.”

“People often forget that sometimes you got to be one of the quicker bowlers to be a workhorse that means he has to bowl not just a four-over spell, but a six or seven-over spell and that is what Shami does. He runs in hard every ball and gives you everything. And he has got this ability that with just a little flick of the wrist he gets the ball to move either way. Tough to play him,” he added.