Time is running out for Shardul Thakur for his place in the Indian Cricket Team. The all-rounder had a wonderful chance to seal his spot in the Indian Playing XI but unfortunately, after repeated poor performances, Mohammed Shami is forming the formidable pace trio for the Men in Blue.
Shardul Thakur leaked runs in the IND vs AUS 1st ODI and will pay a hefty price for it. He is going to be dropped in the India vs Australia 2nd ODI as a rested Mohammed Siraj comes back to claim his rightful spot. On the other hand, Mohammed Shami has been down the pecking order for quite some time.
But a stunning fifer against Australia in the 1st ODI has all but sealed his spot. Despite being to-and-fro from the Indian playing XI, Shami offers the safest and the best option for Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid.
India Playing XI vs AUS: Siraj to replace Shardul Thakur in otherwise set Indian side
The pacer has been one of the best pacers for the Men in Blue along with Siraj when Jasprit Bumrah was out with long injuries. Safe to say Shardul too got his fair bit of chance, but he has squandered most of his opportunities. In the previous game, he was the most expensive bowler after leaking away 78 runs without getting a wicket.
Shami showcased his talent of being equally good with the new and old ball when he bagged a nice fifer. Now it will be cruel to drop Shami who got a fifer in the previous game and continue to play Shardul. Moreover, with just weeks remaining for the World Cup, there is no chance for experimentation with the squad.
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Shami, Siraj, and Bumrah will be India’s pace trident for World Cup 2023. Shardul might just hang on to his place in the squad but will face tough competition from Prasidh Krishna. Moreover, India doesn’t require another pacer as an all-rounder, and vice-captain Hardik Pandya can fill the slot and get some quick wickets during the middle overs.
India Squad for Cricket World Cup 2023
Batters: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav
WKs: Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul (VC)
Seam all-rounders: Shardul Thakur
Spin all-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin
Seamers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
Spinner: Kuldeep Yadav
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