Mohammad Shami: Fans and experts scratch their heads on Virat Kohli’s decision for resting Shami in World Cup semi-final vs New Zealand
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Team India’s skipper Virat K0hli’s decision to exclude fast bowler Mohammad Shami from today’s Playing 11 in the semi-finals versus New Zealand, has not gone down well with the Cricketing fraternity. Fans and experts of the game are scratching their heads on the pacers’s exclusion despite performing brilliantly in the World Cup so far.
Interestingly, Kohli and the team management have reposed faith on Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, who was pretty expensive and looked off-colour in India’s last league match against Sri Lanka. He in fact returned with figures of 10-0-73-1 in the match.
Shami, has picked up 14 wickets so far, in mere four matches he has played in the tournament so far at a remarkable average of 13.78, which is even higher than India’s leading bowler Jasprit Bumrah (19.05).
Fans and experts scratch their heads
The decision for going in with Bhuvaneshwar perhaps has to do with the batting depth he offers to the line-up. But, with Ravindra Jadeja also in the team, and expected to come in at No.8, that base has already been covered. However, here is how the fans and experts reacted on Shami’s exclusion from the team.
Okay with Chahal over Kuldeep. Not so much for Shami’s exclusion. Only five bowlers is a possible concern but from that perspective, bowling first isn’t that bad a thing. India bats deep with this combination. #CWC19 #IndvNZ
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) July 9, 2019
Like @SGanguly99, I admit I am surprised by the dropping of Shami. He takes wickets upfront and if you do, the death overs aren’t as critical. India batting very deep with Jadeja at 8 but it is a big call to leave out Kuldeep against a team he has done well.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 9, 2019
It’s a toss New Zealand had to win. It evens out the contest a bit. I would’ve picked Shami though #INDvNZ
— Sambit Bal (@sambitbal) July 9, 2019
Totally agree with @Sdoull – I’m stunned there’s no Shami for India.
— Andrew Gourdie (@AndrewGourdie) July 9, 2019
#Shami also has a super record against the Kiwis, in addition to his grt form, pace and rhythm this #CWC19 .. A surprise exclusion indeed, admit the experts too.. #SemiFinal1 #NZvIND
— Kaushik LM (@LMKMovieManiac) July 9, 2019
What a bad decision to pick an expensive bowler like Chahal over Shami who has taken so many wickets #NZvIND
— Varun Krishnan (@varunkrish) July 9, 2019
I think Shami has not been included in the team because he gives 40-50 runs in death overs which turns the match completely in favor of the opponent. Jadega strengthen our batting line up & bhuvi can bat too. Perfect team. Go INDIA, win it. #INDvsNZ
— Sumit kadel (@SumitkadeI) July 9, 2019
Shami gets hit at the end? How does that matter when in overcast conditions we would have gotten overs from him at the start ? Open with Bhuvi & Shami, bowl Shami out before 30th and backload Bumrah.
— Arnab Ray (@greatbong) July 9, 2019
Stupid call that to leave out Shami. Could cost us the game esp with the toss going NZ’s way. #IndvNZ #CWC19
— Rahul Ganjoo (@elegantlywasted) July 9, 2019
#INDvNZ
I guess Shami is being “rested” for 2 matches so that he is insanely fresh for the finals.— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) July 9, 2019
#INDvNZ #shami is not playing todays game
Indians ~ pic.twitter.com/H5JWmvTM1r— Priyankarawat (@Priyank62435140) July 9, 2019
All the shami supporters right now! #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/0il3iud4yM
— Rishi Joshi (@joshirishi_) July 9, 2019
#cricketlive
New Zealand bats man are taking easy runs…I guess india is waiting for things to happen instead of taking charge of the game..Surprised to see exclusion of Mohamad shami from the team.— Boghawala Himanshu (@bogs1982) July 9, 2019
To Mohamad Shami , with lou . pic.twitter.com/fdz33hjTPb
— (@Kaushikpzayn) June 30, 2019
