Mohammed Shami’s forced absence due to injury from the Test series against South Africa, according to Aakash Chopra, is a major blow for India.
The first Test between Rohit Sharma and the team and the Proteas will begin on December 26 in Centurion. Shami has been ruled out of the series despite being included in the first Indian team, subject to fitness.
In a video posted to his YouTube account, Chopra discussed the development and expressed his opinion that Shami’s absence is a setback for the guests. He clarified:
“Mohammed Shami is an amazing player. You are filled with pride with the kind of World Cup he had. He won’t be there. He has an injured ankle. In my opinion, it’s a big problem because when you think about Mohammed Shami, you see wickets with the new and old balls.”
Aakash Chopra
The former India opener added:
“You have seen his magic in ODIs but Test brings the best out of him. His Test numbers in South Africa are also thumbs-up with both hands. So we are going to miss you, Mohammed Shami. Who will come in his place will be a big question.”
Aakash Chopra
If India wanted to deploy a four-pronged seam attack, they could have used Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, and a single spinner, according to Chopra. While commenting that the visitors may have to pick between Prasidh Krishna and Mukesh Kumar as the third specialist seamer, he said that they will have to fill large shoes.
Aakash Chopra understands Deepak Chahar’s choice to skip IND vs SA ODI series.
Aakash Chopra noted that Deepak Chahar had to withdraw from the ODI series against South Africa due to unfavorable conditions. He noted:
“Deepak Chahar is not there. His father is out of danger now but he has decided to stay in India because of his father’s health. Akash Deep has become a part of the ODI leg in place of him. I feel for Deepak.”
Aakash Chopra
The cricketer-turned-commentator wished his father a fast recovery while opining that the seamer would have appreciated playing in South Africa. He stated:
“He was out because of injury for a long time. He wasn’t dropped based on performance. Now when his turn came, he was there in T20Is and ODIs, and the pitches in South Africa would have suited him – unfortunate. I know his father well, I wish him really well, that he becomes fit and fine very soon.”
Aakash Chopra
On Sunday in Johannesburg, the first of three ODI matches will commence. With Chahar out, Akash Deep has joined the Indian crew, however Arshdeep Singh, Mukesh Kumar, and Avesh Khan appear to be the front-running seamers.
