I will always prefer Mohammad Shami because I feel two fast bowling all-rounders aren’t required in XI: Manoj Tiwary

Mohammed Shami. (Photo Source: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

Speaking on the performance of Shreyas Iyer and Shardul Thakur, Athar Ali, Star Sports Bangla Cricket Expert for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, said “Shreyas Iyer has performed really well in this World Cup. He didn’t start well but 25 runs against Afghanistan and an unbeaten 53 off 62 balls in the biggest game against Pakistan while chasing, proved his mettle. Shardul Thakur didn’t get to play against Australia, in the second game versus Afghanistan he bowled 6 overs and picked up a wicket. In the Pakistan game, he just bowled 2 overs and conceded 12 runs without any returns. I will definitely keep Shreyas Iyer ahead.”

Speaking on the performance of Shreyas Iyer and Shardul Thakur, Manoj Tiwari, Star Sports Bangla, Cricket Expert for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, said “It’s true that Shreyas Iyer and Shardul Thakur both play for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL but they are Mumbai teammates too in domestic competitions. We all are aware that team management has zeroed in on Shreyas to play at no. 4 and he did well in the last game. Just before the World Cup Shreyas scored a century in the Australia series and looks in good touch, so he will be retained in the playing XI and I believe he will do well. Shardul’s performance hasn’t yet been up to the mark as per management’s expectations.

He has got one wicket from 2 games and the economy has been on the higher side. It is to be seen how he performs in the upcoming games but from the very beginning, I wanted Mohammad Shami to be in the team which would mean 3 genuine fast bowling options. The management considers Shardul as an all-rounder but my choice is Shami because there’s already a fast-bowling all-rounder in Hardik Pandya. Bangladesh is a good side that can upset any team on any given day, but Team India is way stronger and looks in a good rhythm. They will easily beat Bangladesh in Pune.”

Speaking on whether Shami or Shardul should feature in the starting XI for India vs Bangladesh, Athar Ali, Star Sports Bangla Cricket Expert for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, said “I feel Mohammad Shami should play against Bangladesh because of his experience of featuring in 94 ODIs. Shardul Thakur is no doubt a good bowler having picked up 64 wickets in 46 matches but Shami has 171 strikes to his name. We know that Shami is very accurate with his line and length, has pace, and can swing the ball. His economy is less than 6, whereas Shardul is above 6 an over. That’s why Shami should be included against Bangladesh.”

Speaking on whether Shami or Shardul should feature in the starting XI for India vs Bangladesh, Manoj Tiwari, Star Sports Bangla Cricket Expert for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, said “I will always prefer Mohammad Shami because I feel two fast bowling all-rounders aren’t required in the XI. Team management might be considering Shardul’s batting exploits. He has done well in Tests but hasn’t been able to replicate the same on a consistent basis in the shorter format.

The think tank must be planning for a situation where 30 is required off 15 balls and Shardul’s batting might come in more handy than Shami. However, I don’t think that should be the way forward because India’s batting order is solid, and if they can’t perform, Shardul too won’t be able to do much with the bat lower down the order. I always feel wickets can stop the run flow and between these two, Shami looks in great rhythm and is bowling brilliantly. As a result, he should play against Bangladesh.”

Speaking on the rivalry of India versus Bangladesh, Athar Ali, Star Sports Bangla Cricket Expert for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, said, “Bangladesh versus India rivalry is very significant, and this has been gathering steam for a lot of many years, the results are a testament to the fact. If Bangladesh can perform well in each department – batting, bowling, and fielding against India, then it is possible for them to churn out a positive result, like the one in the Asia Cup.

India had already qualified for the Asia Cup final; it was Bangladesh’s last game and they defeated India by 6 runs. Before that, there was a bilateral series of 2 Tests and 3 ODIs in which Bangladesh played exceedingly well to clinch the ODI series 2-1. I have already talked about the rivalry and according to me, this is going to be a huge game for Bangladesh. If they can perform well here, the stage will be set up for them to do something amazing in this World Cup.”

Speaking on the rivalry of India versus Bangladesh, Manoj Tiwari, Star Sports Bangla Cricket Expert for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, said “This match is very vital for Bangladesh to remain alive in the competition. They have to keep winning from here on. However, India will take the field with a winning mentality and I believe they will win with ease. India will leapfrog other competitors with a victory in this game which makes this fixture very important for both teams.”