India Test captain Shubman Gill acknowledged that leaving out a bowler of Mohammed Shami’s calibre is tough, but said the team is focusing on strategic planning, keeping in mind the conditions and upcoming series. While expressing it as a tough decision, Gill said, “It is tough to leave out a bowler of Mohammed Shami’s quality.”
Shubman Gill added that, “The team is looking ahead strategically, keeping in mind the conditions and upcoming series.” However, Mohammad Shami had expressed his disappointment at being sidelined from India’s test cricket. The reason attributed to Shami’s absence was pinned to his lack of fitness.
When asked about the fitness of Shami Gill directed it to the selectors and said, “The selectors would be able to give you a better answer to that.” He also said that the team is currently focused on preparing with the bowlers available for the upcoming series.
Difficult choice between bowlers
While speaking on Shami’s absence from the upcoming Test series, Gill said, “I think there are not many bowlers of his quality. However, you also have to consider the bowlers who are playing right now. They have done such a terrific job.”
He added, “You can’t ignore the performances of someone like Akash Deep or Prasidh Krishna. We all know what Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah have been doing in Test cricket. Sometimes it’s very difficult. “
While giving importance to strategy for upcoming matches, Gill said, “Players like Shami bhai have to miss. I think it’s important for us to be able to know what the next series that we are playing is and where we are playing, and to try to plan ahead.”
Shami’s Ranji performance
Mohammad Shami has tried to make a comeback into the India squad with his performance for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy against Gujarat. Shami returned with figures 5/38 in the second innings at Eden Gardens, his 13th five-wicket haul for Bengal and inspired his side to a commanding 144-run victory. With 15 wickets at 10.46 after four innings, Shami knocked on the selectors’ door. However, Shami was left out once again, which indicated management’s intention to move on from him.
(With ANI Inputs)
