Champions Trophy | Before Bumrah’s arrival, it was Shami who carried India’s attack all through, says Laxmipathy Balaji | Cricket News
Former India pacer Laxmipathy Balaji said Mohammed Shami is the right guy to lead India’s pace attack in the Champions Trophy in absence of injured Jasprit Bumrah.
“Actually, he had out-bowled Bumrah in the 2019 (50-over World Cup) and in the last World Cup (2023). Bumrah is the champion bowler across formats,” Balaji told PTI.
“But Shami has experience and, before Bumrah’s arrival, it was Shami who carried India’s attack all through.
“I think it’s very important. If India has to do well, then Shami has to come good with the new ball. The kind of impact he can make in his first six overs with the new ball, it will play a crucial role for India.
Mohammed Shami reacts after bowling a delivery to England’s Phil Salt during the first ODI at Vidarbha Stadium in Nagpur. (AP Photo)
“Old ball is anyway…it is a defensive game now. If he can make early inroads regularly that will give a huge booster to India,” he added.
Balaji feels Shami’s effectiveness has not gone down and since the 34-year-old is making a comeback after ankle injury, he is taking a bit time ton hit the rhythm.
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“Since that (ankle) injury has happened, there was a little bit of slowness, maybe. It’s natural. But there is nothing you can do about it. It’s part of any sportsperson’s career.
“He has the experience to get over it and he will do it as he bowls more. It’s just about accepting the (physical) condition and continuing his best practices,” he said.
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Balaji felt the body of work that Shami has built over the last 12 years makes him an ideal candidate for it.
“Shami is the leader of the pack right now. I mean, he has been the leader of the pack for a long time now. If you see what Shami has done in 12 years of cricket and, especially, in Test cricket, it has been humongous.
“Now, if he starts striking with the new ball the confidence it gives to other bowlers will be huge,” he said.
