Aakash Chopra, a former Indian cricketer, delivered a severe reality check to Mohammed Shami following his lackluster return to international cricket. The senior bowler was recalled to the Indian side for the T20I and ODI series against England after demonstrating his fitness in domestic cricket.
Shami failed to excite many with his bowling, taking two wickets in as many ODIs at an average of 52.00.
Chopra believes India's fast-bowling resources for the Champions Trophy are inadequate, given the uncertainty surrounding Jasprit Bumrah's participation. He discussed Shami's recovery and stated that he had yet to return to his best.
"How confident are we with our fast-bowling resources? The truth is that Jasprit Bumrah's absence is hurting. Based on what we have seen thus far, it seems like our fast bowling is our weak link. If you see Mohammed Shami's comeback, he has not hit top gear yet. We are hoping that he will reach there," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Chopra pointed out Shami's slowing pace and said that at 132 kph, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is a better alternative. Bhuvneshwar last played for India in 2022, against New Zealand in Napier.
"The pace is slightly depleted. Bhuvneshwar Kumar at 132 kph is going to be outstanding because he is very sharp at 132 kph. However, if Mohammed Shami bowls at 132 kph, he looks a little below his best because his bowling style is getting the ball to move at 137 or 138 kph. That brings the best out of Shami," Chopra added.
Shami also failed to impress in the T20I series before the ODIs, even though the team management offered him a handful of opportunities in the five-match series. He took three wickets for an average of 16.67.
The elite bowler was also hammered for a hat-trick of boundaries by tailender Adil Rashid in the second ODI, which Chopra believes is a bad sign for the Indian squad, as he did not get to bowl his full quota of overs in either match.
"Shami is not bowling that well currently. If Adil Rashid hits him for three consecutive fours, you say he is not ready yet. He is leaking runs. The captain is not getting him to bowl 10 overs, and that is my problem. If you don't get him to bowl 10 overs, when will he get ready? He is a little far from his best," he said.’
The third India v England ODI will be played on February 12 in Ahmedabad.
