Mohammed Shami. (Photo SourceL: X(Twitter)
Ace India pacer Mohammed Shami believes that those who excel in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) should be selected to play in the much-awaited ICC T20 World Cup. The marquee event is scheduled to be held later this year in the West Indies and the United States of America.
Shami has been out of action since the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup due to an injury and is keenly awaiting his return to the pitch. While he missed the ongoing T20I series versus Afghanistan, star pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are also rested. Shami feels that the forthcoming IPL will be crucial to the T20 World Cup selection, and remarked that he should be picked if his performance is up to the mark.
“There’s still a lot of time. There’s an IPL before that. Whoever is playing well should be picked for the T20 World Cup. It’s important to be selecting the team basis the combination. If I’m performing well, I should be selected. Who will say no to the World Cup?” Shami told News24.
Mohammed Shami’s impressive numbers in 2023
Mohammed Shami has had the cherished year of his career in 2023. He was the ultimate performer for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup where his side lost to Australia in the final in Ahmedabad. The 33-year-old consistently delivered indelible performances and ended up being the highest wicket-taker in the marquee event. Despite not being picked as a first-choice bowler in the lineup, he played the last seven games for the Men in Blue and claimed 24 wickets boasting an average of 10.70 and an impressive economy rate of 5.26.
Furthermore, prior to the ODI World Cup, Shami showcased his bowling prowess in the IPL 2023. He has picked up a total of 28 wickets for Gujarat Titans (GT) in 17 games at an average of 18.64 and went on to claim the coveted Purple Cap by being the highest wicket-taker in the tournament. Unfortunately, GT fell short in the final against Chennai Super Kings and ended as the runner-up.