Shami claimed a five-wicket haul in his very first World Cup 2023 match against New Zealand.
Shami was included in the playing XI after India were forced to alter their playing combination due to Hardik Pandya’s ankle injury.
As it turned out, the right-arm quick lived up to the expectations of the team management with a five-wicket haul against New Zealand. Shami returned with the figures of 5 for 54 in his 10 overs and was adjudged Player-of-the-Match.
Impressed with his exploits, former India opener Gautam Gambhir said that Shami should have been part of India's playing XI from the start of the showpiece tournament.
“Shami has a different class. The Indian team management need to have a lot of might to keep him out. No doubt India have won four consecutive matches but despite that, Mohammed Shami should have been a part of this playing XI from the start,” said Gambhir while speaking to Star Sports.
Gambhir also wondered how the team management would bench Shami once Hardik returns for the upcoming matches.
“India went with five bowlers on a Dharamsala ground, which is quite difficult for the bowlers, and despite that, if you give your team five wickets, you can understand the level of bowler he is. It needs to be seen how the team management will make him sit out going forward. Will you persist with him once Hardik Pandya comes back?,” he added.
With this victory against New Zealand, India extended their winning streak to five in the ongoing World Cup.
The Men in Blue will next face defending champions England in Lucknow on Sunday (October 29).