In order to avoid playing Mohammed Shami in their 2023 World Cup match against Bangladesh on Thursday, October 19, India have chosen to start with the same starting lineup.
Mohammed Siraj has just surpassed Mohammed Shami in the pecking order, despite Shami’s years of exceptional play for the hosts. Shardul Thakur continues to play as the third seamer who would bat at No. 8 since the team management is keen to emphasize on batting depth.
Fans on X (previously Twitter), however, weren’t satisfied by India’s decision to bat Thakur before Mohammed Shami since they believe the latter would have offered them another option for getting wickets. Here are a few responses:
Today was such a good opportunity to give some game time to Shami.
This whole batting depth is not thought-through. No point in trying Shami in just 1 game and then suddenly bringing him on for knock-outs.— Subhajit (@subhajitm) October 19, 2023
Dinesh Karthik reveals why India prefer not to play Mohammed Shami
Dinesh Karthik, a seasoned Indian wicketkeeper, made an effort to explain why the Men in Blue did not use the pace trio of Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah.
According to “DK,” the hosts will not sacrifice their batting depth and would instead start either Shardul Thakur or Ravichandran Ashwin in place of Mohammed Shami. He was cited as saying the following on Cricbuzz:
“I know it is going to be a mouthwatering combination to have (Shami-Siraj-Bumrah) but India wants to play a bowler who can bat at No.8. So the choice will be among Shardul Thakur or Ashwin. Shami could play if one of the pacers is rested or has a slight niggle. Then we can see Shami play.”
In Pune, Bangladesh decided to bat first despite the absence of their captain Shakib Al Hasan.