Xtra Time Web Desk: Former Indian skipper and former chairman of the selection committee Krishnamachari Srikkanth reacts after BCCI has announced the 15 Member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup on Monday. According to him, Mohammed Shami should have been included ahead of Harshal Patel. Recently, Harshal Patel who returned from the injury, got a chance in the team whereas Mohammed Shami stays as a stand by player. Several questions were raised after the selection.
Krishnamachari Srikkanth stated on Star Sports that “If I was the chairman of the selection committee, Mohammad Shami is definitely in the team. We are playing in Australia, the guy’s got the real action, the guy’s got bounce, he can bear the moment and he can get on early wickets, so I would have probably got Shami instead of Harshal Patel.”
However Srikkanth has mentioned Harshal Patel is a god bowler. He said “definitely, Harshal Patel is a good bowler, no doubt about it, but Mohammad Shami is the right guy, I mean they can say not the scheme of things, he’s only for test cricket or one day cricket but we are playing in Australia. That guy has done well with the last IPL, so Shami is a must in my team.”
Srikkanth further questioned, “Mohammad Shami is a frontline bowler. You check his IPL record from last year. Fantastic! He has got early wickets. Who will give early wickets”.
Mohammed Shami, in the last IPL 2022, played 16 matches and picked 20 wickets. His bowling economy in the season was 8.00 and strike rate was 18.30. The right-arm pacer played a significant role in Gujarat Titans’ title victory. Thus, it is obvious to question Shami’s standby in the T20 World Cup Squad.