Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa said that the Indian team need to stick to Mohammed Shami after his sensational performance in the 2023 World Cup win against New Zealand in Dharamshala on Sunday, October 22. Uthappa added that if Hardik Pandya is fit to play India’s next game against England, they could think of resting Mohammed Siraj because of the form Shami is in. The latter picked up the Player of the Match for his stunning figures of 5/54.

Speaking in a video to Sports Today, Robin Uthappa said: “I think Siraj could be the one making way for Hardik in the next game with Shami staying on. India will be cognizant of the fact that they need to keep players fresh for the backend of the tournament. With five wins from five, they now have the cushion or work on different combinations.”

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Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina was impressed with the way Shami contributed as well. Raina also shared that the attacking trio of Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah managed to restrict the Kiwis to a total below the 300-run mark. He feels the Indian team need not worry about batting depth and must continue playing the three together as well.

He added: “Shami deserved to win the Player of the Match award for the way he bowled. With Shami, Siraj, Bumrah, Kuldeep, Jadeja and once Hardik comes back, we have a lethal bowling attack. When you have Shami, Siraj & Bumrah, you’re going to win the World Cup. Shami brings with him a lot of wickets and dot balls. If you look at New Zealand’s innings, at one stage they were comfortably looking at scoring 310. Rohit’s captaincy was also really good. He changed his bowlers really well. You have to play Shami till the final (laughs).”