Ahead of the clash against Bangladesh, India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey admitted that leaving the star pacer Mohammed Shami out of the playing 11 is a “difficult decision” to make, but they pick the team according to the wicket conditions.
Rohit-led Team India will look to carry their winning form in the WC as they prepare to lock horns with Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Thursday.
Because of Team India’s present bench strength, a world-class fast bowler like Shami is finding it hard to make the playing 11. Shami was not featured in India’s three opening matches of the World Cup campaign.
The quality of bowling Shami brings with the new ball is brilliant, which puts the Indian management in a big selection dilemma. Mhambrey noted that it is difficult to leave out a player of Shami’s calibre, but the team can only play 11 players, and they are fielding the best combinations.
“See, honestly, it is never an easy decision. But I think the conversations are around; we had a clear chat with him. Whenever we select a squad, the messages from us are very clear. We pick a squad we feel is best for that wicket. And I think sometimes you will miss out. Someone like him is missing out; someone like Ash will miss out. And I think that’s the communication that we have with him; we are very clear. It was a difficult decision, honestly. Even with the quality that he brings to the team, it is difficult to make that decision. But you have to take that decision; you only have eleven on the field,” Paras Mhambrey said during a pre-match press conference at Pune.
The ICC World Cup 2023 saw two significant upsets, with Afghanistan startling defending champions England and the Netherlands shocking South Africa.
Mhambrey said Team India takes each opponent seriously.
