How Mohammed Shami can make a comeback to Team India? MSK Prasad explains

Former India chief selector MSK Prasad feels that Men in Blue’s strategy to use “horses for courses” policy has seen Mohammed Shami warm the bench in the first three games of the World Cup 2023. Prasad also said that Shami could only come back into the side if captain Rohit Sharma wants to rotate pacer Mohammed Siraj.

World Cup 2023: News | Schedule | Results | Points table

Shami, who was once a regular pacer in ODIs, is currently on the bench despite taking a five-wicket haul against Australia ahead of the World Cup as India have employed a strategy of using only two full-time pacers in Jasprit Bumrah and Siraj. The supporting role is played by all-rounder Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur.

On a spin-friendly track like Chennai for the opener against Australia, India played off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin in place of Thakur. Siraj’s form and the utility of the all-rounders have impacted Shami’s chances big time.

“They are using horses for courses and it is working fantastically well for the team. If you see they used Ashwin in Chennai and Shardul for the other two games (in Delhi and Ahmedabad). Last game, Shardul was not required as the others did the job (he bowled only two overs),” said the former India wicketkeeper to news agency PTI.

“Shami will come into picture if they want to rotate Siraj. Replacements are very clear right now, Sky will replace Shreyas if there is a need, Ishan will replace Gill at the top and Shardul will play if it is a flat deck. Aswhin will come in his place if it is a turning track.”

Shami could make a comeback into the side during the latter stages of the league phase once India have qualified or if rotations of players become necessary.

Meanwhile, Hardik’s presence in the team is especially critical as he lends perfect balance to the pace attack, but can he bowl 10 overs in a match and that also regularly?

Prasad feels the team has clarity over all the roles and 5-6 overs per game is “good enough” from Hardik.

“With Hardik, you can’t expect him to bowl 10 overs in every game. The job that he is doing. of bowling 5-6 overs per game, that is good enough. Team management seems to have absolute clarity on the role of every individual,” added Prasad.

India have won all of their three matches so far and face Bangladesh on Thursday.