Since his return to the Indian  playing XI  in the ODI World Cup 2023, Mohammed Shami has become the talk of the town for his top-quality bowling spells against New Zealand and England in two straight matches, culminating in victory for the hosts. In the build-up to India’s clash against Sri Lanka, Harbhajan Singh was in no mood for any nonsense while talking about Mohammed Shami’s impressive start, and remarked that they can’t drop him from the team now.

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The first match in ODI World Cup 2023 for Mohammed Shami happened at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, where he picked up a five-for, while conceding only 54 runs against New Zealand. On this specific occasion, he castled Will Young early, while picking up the key scalps of Daryl Mtichell and Rachin Ravindra, who had built up a big partnership of 159 runs for the third wicket before knocking the stumps of Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry cheaply at the end of the innings.

In his next outing against England at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, Mohammed Shami was firing on all cylinders in his opening, making Ben Stokes look clueless before castling him neck and crop. The 33-year-old had Jonny Bairstow chop the ball onto his stumps in the next over, following which he nicked off Moeen Ali and bowled out Adil Rashid, to pick up four wickets for 22 runs in seven overs with two maidens.

Harbhajan Singh shared his remarks on the rise of Mohammed Shami in the ODI World Cup 2023 for Team India before their encounter against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. He was quoted as saying about the right-arm fast bowler on Star Sports, “Ab bahar bithake dikhaao (Now make him sit outside),” which could be a means from the former Indian cricketer to call out the selectors.

Moreover, the inclusion of Mohammed Shami has added a new attacking dimension during the first powerplay stage of the Indian bowling effort, especially when Mohamamed Siraj isn’t showcasing his best form with the ball in the ODI World Cup 2023. Although, the 33-year-old has also batted at No. 8 in the last two matches of the tournament for India, which has lengthen ed their tail somewhat.