Shami picked up three wickets in an over during the warm-up match against Australia.
India and Pakistan will lock horns in what is dubbed as the game’s biggest rivalry on Sunday (October 23) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in both teams’ T20 World Cup 2022 campaign opener.
Amidst all the hype that surrounds every India-Pakistan match, there have been a lot of discussions as to what should be the playing XI of the Indian team with the return of veteran pacer Mohammad Shami.
Meanwhile, legendary spinner Anil Kumble remarked that Shami is unlikely to be a part of India’s playing XI in the marquee event.
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Jasprit Bumrah's injury, which prevented him from competing in the mega event, led to Shami's return to the national team. The veteran pacer though put on an impressive show during the warm-up match against Australia, taking three wickets in the final over of the match which helped his team win the match by six runs.
Rohit Sharma-led side may, however, continue to rely on the group of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, and Arshdeep Singh, according to Kumble.
"Leading up to the World Cup, Harshal Patel has been a part of the bowling line-up where he comes in the middle overs and at the death and I think India will go with that approach. Yes, Shami came and did what he did in that one over in the practice game against Australia, but over the years, he has been effective with the new ball," he was quoted as saying to ESPNcricinfo.
The former cricketer added that Harshal Patel might be given a place in the starting line-up due to his ability to clear the ropes.
"And if you are looking at Shami and Bhuvi to be playing, then both of them have to have that role of knocking over the opposition batting in the first six overs and then, look at Arshdeep to fill in those overs right at the death. If you are doing that, your batting is restricted at No.7. If Akshar Patel, Ashwin, or both play, then they are Nos.7 and 8. But then Harshal gives you that batting edge," he stated.
"I think India will go with Harshal Patel, Bhuvi, and Arshdeep. I think Shami will miss out because if he plays, then the role will change," he added.
(ESPNcricinfo Inputs)