'For me, Mohammed Shami is the Virat Kohli of Fast Bowling': Robin Uthappa

Former opener Robin Uthappa heaped praise on premier India paceman Mohammed Shami and said he has the same impact which Virat Kohli has with the bat. Shami has been in incredible form this World Cup with 16 scalps in just 4 matches. After missing out on initial matches, he made an instant impact in the side after he got picked in the XI and has already claimed a couple of fifers.

He has also pipped Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath to become India’s leading wicket-taker in World Cup history.

Uthappa talked about Shami’s impact on the Indian team as his inclusion has made the Men in India’s bowling attack a force to reckon with.

“For me, Mohammed Shami is the Virat Kohli of fast bowling. The way he sticks to his process and backs the same line, length and seam position, is brilliant. He knows that if he bowls five or six balls in that area, he can easily take three to four wickets,” Uthappa said on his YouTube channel.

He also talked highly of Jasprit Bumrah and said the pressure he creates with the new ball allows other pacers to take wickets. Bumrah has been sensational with the new ball and managed to troubled the oppositions with his ability to swing the ball both ways.

“You have to give credit for the way Jasprit Bumrah is bowling,” he continued. “Because of the pressure he creates in the first five or six overs, bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami are able to take wickets.”

Looking at India’s current form in all three departments, Uthappa suggested that it’s impossible to beat them at the moment.

“Team India have been doing exceptionally well, and they seem unstoppable. It is impossible to beat India at this stage. Batting, bowling, and fielding, they have been at the top in all departments. When you compare this Indian team to the teams from the past few years, it is the unity that sets them apart. With their unity and camaraderie, it seems that they are playing for each other,” he added.

India will face New Zealand in the semi-final of World Cup and will look for redemption of 2019 WC semi-final defeat.