Harbhajan Singh wants Mohammad Shami to play against New Zealand instead of this player

Former Indian legend Harbhajan Singh has called for the inclusion of Mohammad Shami. The former spin bowling legend was the 33-year-old pacer to replace one struggling Indian star.

Team India will take on New Zealand in a huge match on Sunday in Dharamshala. The game is between the top two sides in the points table of the ODI World Cup 2023 tournament. New Zealand are at number 1 with 8 points just above India who have the same number of points.

New Zealand under Tom Latham beat Afghanistan in their previous game by a massive 149-run margin. India on the other hand beat Bangladesh in Pune on Thursday by seven wickets. Virat Kohli led the chase with unbeaten 103 runs which was his 48^th ODI ton.

Harbhajan Singh wants Mohammad Shami in the playing XI 

Former Indian World Cup winner Harbhajan Singh has suggested the Indian team include Mohammad Shami. According to the 43-year-old, Mohammad Shami could be drafted into the team in place of Shardul Thakur.

Shardul Thakur has played three games in the ODI World Cup 2023 for India. In those 3 games, the 32-year-old has picked just two wickets while conceding 103 runs. This effort has earned Shardul Thakur lots of criticism.

Harbhajan Singh while speaking to Aaj Tak Channel said “We are playing Shardul Thakur because of his all-rounder abilities. I think you should bring Mohammed Shami in his place as he can give you solid 10 overs,"

The former Indian legend also said “It's a big issue for India if Hardik Pandya is not fit. He sets our combination and if he doesn't play then you will have to change it. You can either play Ishan Kishan or Suryakumar Yadav as a pure batter”

Hardik Pandya was injured during the game against Bangladesh in Pune. The Indian all-rounder had to be taken off the field while attempting to stop the ball with his foot. It is said that Hardik Pandya will join the squad in Lucknow for the game against England. The Indian team play the current champions on the 29^th of October in Lucknow.

The Indian Cricket Board released a statement which had stated that Hardik Pandya had injured his left ankle. The 30-year-old was advised to rest after scans were performed in Pune and has been under constant supervision of the medical team. Mohammad Shami and Suryakumar Yadav are yet to play for India in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 campaign.