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Former India pacer Ashish Nehra has expressed that Mohammed Shami may not be part of the T20 World Cup in Australia. But the Gujarat Titans coach also affirmed that the management should "definitely" consider the pacer for next year's ODI World Cup at home.
While speaking to a media house, Nehra talked about how Shami has a lot of skills and hence will continue playing in the longest format. He said, "It seems like he is not in the plans at the moment (for T20 World Cup). But, if the management needs Shami, we all know his abilities as a bowler.”
“I can understand if he doesn't play the T20 World Cup. He will continue to play Test cricket, and even if you want to give chance to young players, they should definitely consider him for the 50-over World Cup next year," Nehra said.
"We don't have many ODIs this year and Shami is on a break at the moment after IPL. India can play him in England for the 50-over games after the Test match. You will play three ODI games against a top-quality white-ball team like England, and you would definitely love to beat them. And for that, you need to your best bowlers. I would definitely take Shami in that bracket," he added.
He runs in hard every ball and gives you everything: Gavaskar
Despite not playing limited-overs cricket regularly, Shami has been a mainstay in the Test team where he has garnered a lot of praise. Indian batting great Sunil Gavaskar had complimented the pacer for his consistency and ability.
While speaking on a broadcast earlier, Gavaskar said, “Yes, he is somebody who can bowl long spells, sustain that pace, and can build pressure with every single delivery. You need somebody like that. He has been terrific as well.”
“People often forget that sometimes you got to be one of the quicker bowlers to be a workhorse that means he has to bowl not just a four-over spell, but a six or seven-over spell and that is what Shami does. He runs in hard every ball and gives you everything. And he has got this ability that with just a little flick of the wrist he gets the ball to move either way. Tough to play him,” he further added.