Former Australian all-rounder and commentator Shane Watson believes that Mohammad Shami has now taken Mohammed Siraj’s place in Team India playing XI at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Hardik Pandya’s ankle injury paved the way for Shami to make it into the playing XI, and the senior pacer grabbed the opportunity with both hands in the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2023. He has taken nine wickets in the three games he has played so far for Team India at the CWC 2023.

Shami took a fifer against New Zealand and in the game against England, picked 4/22. Even in the presence of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, Shami has managed to catch attention with his impressive show.

Now, Watson said that Shami has taken over Siraj’s spot in India’s playing XI, thanks to his performance against England and Bangladesh in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023.

Read Also: CWC 2023: 'Wankhede is special, my best venue'- Rohit Sharma before India's clash with Sri Lanka

Shane Watson said on Star Sports: “It's a great problem for India to have. That's a sign of a team that's in incredible form where all the players are putting their hands up and playing at their best. In my mind, Shami has taken over Siraj’s spot because of the way he's bowled in the last two games.”

The Aussie commentator continued, “He's been incredible. When Shami is at his best, as we saw against England, he's just so difficult to play. He can beat any batter on the outside or the inside. And because his length is so accurate, it's always hitting the stumps.”

Watson signed off by saying, “He's always in there asking questions. It was unfortunate that Hardik went down injured. But that meant that Shami got an opportunity, and for me, he's surpassed Siraj because of the way he's been bowling.”

With Hardik Pandya expected to be out for a few more matches, Mohammad Shami is expected to continue in the playing XI.

(With ANI/IANS Inputs)