Out of action since ODI World Cup due to ankle injury, Indian pacer Mohammed Shami discusses plans for upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the United States. With India set to face Ireland on June 5 at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in the US, Shami, recovering from injury, emphasizes the importance of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season in determining his selection.
Reports suggest potential inclusion in last three Tests but Shami highlights IPL performance as crucial factor in T20 World Cup selection.
Shami states in an interview with News 24, ‘Whoever is playing well should be picked for the T20 World Cup. It’s important to select the team basis the combination. If I’m performing well, I should be selected.’
The ongoing T20I series against Afghanistan serves as India’s final white-ball assignment before the T20 World Cup in June. Shami, along with senior pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, has been rested for the three-match series, where India currently leads 2-0.
Shami also comments on the player transfer of Hardik Pandya from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians, emphasizing the importance of team dynamics. ‘Kisike jane se kisiko farak nahi padta ‘(See, it doesn’t matter who is leaving). You have to see the team’s balance… It’s his decision to stay or leave.’
Shami adds insights into the dynamic nature of team compositions and leadership responsibilities, highlighting the importance of managing players well and extracting the best out of them.