Since the conclusion of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023, Mohammed Shami has been absent from competitive cricket, nursing an ankle injury. Despite being dropped from the squad for the first four games, the star Indian pacer emerged as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament, claiming 24 wickets in just seven games at an impressive average of 10.71.
In a recent interview with News18, Mohamed Shami was asked about the best bowler in India, and his response has stirred a viral reaction on the internet. Known for his consistent performances, Shami expressed his confidence by pointing towards himself and saying, “Apne se jyada kyu manna kisi ko? (Why consider anyone above myself?)” In the Men’s ODI World Cup 2023, Shami achieved the remarkable feat of taking three fifers, a record for any fast bowler in World Cup cricket.
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His World Cup campaign commenced with a fifer against New Zealand, followed by another fifer against Sri Lanka. However, the highlight was his phenomenal performance in the semi-finals against New Zealand, where he claimed 7/57 against the BlackCaps.
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When asked about his favorite bowler, Mohammed Shami emphasized the importance of accuracy over sheer pace. He mentioned legends like Dale Steyn, Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram, and Glenn McGrath. Among Indian bowlers, he praised Zaheer Khan and Kapil Dev, highlighting their lethal effectiveness despite not being express fast bowlers.
Currently sidelined due to his ankle injury, Mohammed Shami is anticipated to make a comeback during IPL 2024, representing the Gujarat Titans. Unfortunately, his absence is felt in the ongoing India-England Test series, where Jasprit Bumrah has taken the lead, claiming 15 wickets in four innings.
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Despite Shami’s absence, Bumrah has been a dominant force in the ongoing series, including a notable six-fer in the second Test in Vizag, where he also reached the milestone of 150 Test wickets. Shami, a consistent performer for India, aims to replicate his success in the upcoming IPL, having secured the purple cap in the last season with 28 wickets in 17 games at an average of 18.61. Currently, India faces England in the third Test of the five-match series at the Niranjan Shah Cricket Stadium in Rajkot.
