Cricket News

Mohammed Shami to remain out of contention in T20Is going forward – Reports

The Selectors have been in regular talks with Shami about his future in the format.

Aug 5, 2022 9:12 pm

Mohammed Shami will not play in T20Is for India going forward, according to a report by Insidesport. Shami last played for India in T20 internationals in the 20-20 world cup 2021, where he picked up six wickets at an average of 23 and an economy rate of 8.84.

India have tried various youngsters in Shami’s place since the tournament, with the likes of Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh, and Avesh Khan making their debut for the country. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah are the current leaders of the attack and will continue to play their roles in the upcoming World Cup in Australia.

Shami received a lot of flak on social media after his poor show in the match against Pakistan in the last year’s World Cup. The seamer has been expensive throughout his T20I career which doesn’t make a strong case for his selection going ahead.

The right-arm speedster from Bengal has played 17 T20Is, picking up 18 wickets thus far at an average of 31 and an economy of 9.54. He has the best bowling figure of 3/15 in his T20I career.

The 31-year-old had a good season in the Indian T20 league this year, picking up 20 wickets at an average of 24 and an economy rate of 8. Despite his great comeback, the seamer will not be considered for the upcoming World Cup in a bid to manage his workload.

“Shami isn’t getting any younger and we need him fresh for Tests. That is why he is not being considered for T20s. We have had a chat with him post-T20 World Cup on his workload management. This is how it is going to be now. For now, he is not in plans for T20s and the focus will be on youngsters,” a member of the selection committee was quoted as saying by Insidesport.

Team India will be playing the Asia Cup T20 tournament, followed by two three-match T20I series against Australia and South Africa as part of the preparation for the World Cup. The team will look to finalize their playing combination and team roles in the remaining matches to go into the marquee event fully prepared.