Former Indian pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji opined that Mohammed Shami out-bowled Jasprit Bumrah in the 2019 and 2023 ODI World Cup. His remarks come ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy where Shami will spearhead the Indian pace attack in the absence of Bumrah. The latter has been ruled out of the marquee tournament owing to a back injury while the former has returned to action after being on the sidelines for 14 months.
Shami > Bumrah in Champions Trophy?
Speaking to news agency PTI, Balaji pointed out that Shami was now the leader of the pack for the Indian pace attack in Champions Trophy. He claimed that Shami had out-bowled Bumrah in both the 2019 and 2023 World Cup. He argued that Shami had more experience than Bumrah and that it was the former who carried India’s attack on his back all through both the tournaments.
“Actually, he had out-bowled Bumrah in the 2019 (50-over World Cup) and in the last World Cup (2023). Bumrah is the champion bowler across formats. But Shami has experience and, before Bumrah’s arrival, it was Shami who carried India’s attack all through,” said Balaji.
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Balaji explained that it was important for Shami to deliver with the new ball in order to ensure India’s success. He pointed out that early inroads made by the veteran pacer can be a big boost for India in Champions Trophy.
“I think it’s very important. If India has to do well, then Shami has to come good with the new ball. The kind of impact he can make in his first six overs with the new ball, it will play a crucial role for India,” he added.
Further, he dubbed Shami as the leader of the Indian pace attack. Citing his contributions in Test cricket for nearly 12 years, Balaji said that he could give a huge confidence boost to other bowlers if he starts striking with the new ball.
“Shami is the leader of the pack right now. I mean, he has been the leader of the pack for a long time now. If you see what Shami has done in 12 years of cricket and, especially, in Test cricket, it has been humongous,” Balaji said.
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