Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah are in prime form for Team India at the moment in the 2023 ODI World Cup, with the duo having played a vital hand in the team being the first to officially qualify for the semi-finals. The pace bowling pair have been brilliant across all three phases of the innings, and are right up the list of the leading wicket-takers in the tournament.
Team India has benefited greatly from Bumrah’s timely comeback after an extended injury layoff. From the T20I series against Ireland to the Asia Cup and finally the World Cup, the pacer has looked in control from the start. With 15 wickets at an economy rate of 3.72, he is presently the tournament’s seventh best wicket-taker.
His bowling partner, on the other hand, was begrudgingly benched by the management for the sake of batting depth. However, Hardik Pandya’s injury in the fixture against Bangladesh has proven to be an eye-opener of sorts. The all-rounder is yet to recover from his ankle injury, leading to Mohammed Shami getting a string of games.
The pacer began with a five-wicket haul against New Zealand and consistently claimed wickets in India’s wins over England and Sri Lanka as well. He has posed a serious question to the management after picking up 14 wickets in just three matches.
With only one wicket separating the fast bowling combo with the Men in Blue playing at least three more matches in the season, it is certain to be a close race to see who will be India’s highest wicket-taker.
On that topic, let us look at some of the criteria that will influence who will finish with more wickets between Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami at the end of the 2023 World Cup.
1. Form
The duo of Bumrah and Shami have been in exceptional form, bowling brilliantly with the new ball, especially in recent matches under lights. They have maximized conditions, which are not well-suited for pacers. Mohammed Shami has been more potent in attacking sense, probing with consistent areas and troubleing the batter, resulting in wickets.
Team India’s strategy for the upcoming return of Hardik Pandya from injury remains uncertain. The team could continue with the seam trio, with Hardik as the sixth option, or return to the original playing XI with Shardul Thakur at No. 8.
2. Innate wicket-taking ability
India’s aggressive approach, targeting early wickets, complements Bumrah and Shami’s combination of stump targeting and traditional line and length bowling, enhancing their performance.
Bumrah has taken several wickets to put pressure on Mohammed Shami, while he holds the ace in death overs. Shami’s second-to-none wicket-taking ability is noteworthy.
3. Conditions
Team India’s remaining league stage matches are scheduled in Bangalore and Kolkata, with Eden Gardens facing the Proteas, and Chinnaswamy Stadium facing the Netherlands. Despite small boundaries, the duo is expected to win against the Netherlands.
Mohammed Shami’s form, innate wicket-taking ability, and favorable conditions make him a potential candidate to take the most wickets for India in the knockout stages of the 2023 ODI World Cup.
