The Indian Pacer Mohammed Shami backs the decision to rotate India’s fast-bowling option ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
India’s rotation policy on fast bowling options
With less than 15 days before the World Cup, India is working on all possibilities for analyzing the Pros and Cons of the team by giving the necessary game time for the players.
The team management has decided to rotate the fast bowling options since the start of the Asia Cup. This led to only two players out of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj and Mohammed Shami being featured in the playing 11 in a game.
Hence, the medium Pacer Shardul Thakur who has more experience with bat, received more chances in the squad. With his help in batting at low order, the team has only limited options for full-time fast bowlers.
Mohammad Shami has played only two matches in the Asia Cup encounters. He also played the first match of the ODI series against Australia where India won the match by 5 wickets. He also made a five-wicket haul in the match.
Despite these records, Shami’s position in the playing 11 has not been confirmed. Speaking at the post-match conference he backed the decision of the team management and also said players should understand the role whether they make it to the playing 11 or not.
“This is a part and parcel of the game. It’s important to understand the team’s needs. It isn’t possible that you’ll always be part of the playing XI and team combinations.
“When we play regularly, someone or the other will have to sit out. There is no point being frustrated about it. Obviously it’s good if you’re in the XI but it’s also crucial to be understanding when on the bench. That role is also very important.”
“The idea from the team management is to rotate according to the conditions and the situation, or depending on the opposition,” Shami added. “They know how to handle it and if you see, the recent results have been quite good. The rotation is going smoothly and before the World Cup, I don’t think anyone should be burdened a lot.”
“It’s good for us because rotating pacers is key in such conditions. It’s more important for bowlers, not that it’s easier for batters but still. Rotation is important, especially before ICC tournaments.”
“It particularly helps those who haven’t been in rhythm to get some much-needed game time.”
Shami said that playing against a strong team before the World Cup will boost the confidence of the team and they should be working together giving their all will be the best preparation for the team.
“Before a big event, when you play such games against a strong opposition, it’s important for the batters to do well. Confidence is the key. Getting such a boost before a big event is always great for the team. It’s crucial that the batting and bowling departments are both firing together. I think that’s the best preparation.”
India will be playing their second ODI match on September 24 at Holkar Stadium. After the ODI series India will be playing two Warmup games against England and Netherlands.
They will be playing their first match of the World Cup against Australia on October 8 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
