'Mohammed Shami Will Come Into Picture If They Want to': Former BCCI Chief Selector on India's Bench Strength

Former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad talked about Team India’s bench strength in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. Rohit Sharma and Co. are at the top of the point table with three consecutive victories. They have performed collectively well and outclassed the teams like Australia and Pakistan quite comfortably. Before the start of the tournament, India had a problem of plenty in terms of finalising their team combination. However, the management has sorted it out and made changes according to the conditions.

Suryakumar Yadav and Mohammed Shami are the only players who are yet to make a place in the playing XI of first three matches.

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Prasad, who was the chief selector of the Indian cricket team during 2019 WC, suggested that the Men in Blue have managed well thus far in the tournament.

“They are using horses for courses and it is working fantastically well for the team. If you see they used Ashwin in Chennai and Shardul for the other two games (in Delhi and Ahmedabad). Last game, Shardul was not required as the others did the job (he bowled only two overs),” Prasad told news agency PTI.

Prasad further suggested that the replacements are clear as Shami will only get a chance if India wants to rotate Mohammed Siraj while Suryakumar Yadav will replace

“Shami will come into picture if they want to rotate Siraj. Replacements are very clear right now, Sky will replace Shreyas if there is a need, Ishan will replace Gill at the top and Shardul will play if it is a flat deck. Aswhin will come in his place if it is a turning track,” the former India wicketkeeper added.

India will next face Bangladesh on Thursday at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune and they are expected to not tinker the winning combination.

India will look to make the most of batting-friendly conditions here at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, their mixed record of four wins in seven matches at this venue in ODIs, combined with the recent run against Bangladesh — three defeats in the last four one-dayers — makes the bowlers’ role all the more important.