World Cup 2023: India should pick Mohammed Shami even if Hardik Pandya is fit, says Suresh Raina

India were forced to make changes to the playing XI in World Cup match against New Zealand owing to an injury to Hardik Pandya. Mohammed Shami played his first match of this World Cup, while Suryakumar Yadav too was included in the starting XI.

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Shami responded emphatically and picked up a wicket off his first ball when he sent back Will Young. He bowled with remarkable discipline and kept getting the ball whenever Rohit Sharma wanted a wicket. Speaking on India’s bowling attack, former India batter Suresh Raina hailed it the best bowling combination.

“Shami, (Mohammed) Siraj, (Jasprit) Bumrah Jadeja, Kuldeep, Hardik — this I feel is the best combination for this World Cup,” he said on Aaj Tak.

Raina also went on to add that India should retain Shami in the lineup, even when Hardik Pandya makes a comeback as he would offer captain Rohit an additional weapon for the latter stages of an opposition’s innings.

Raina praised Kuldeep for making a strong comeback in the middle overs despite being taken for plenty of runs in his first four overs. India’s ace spinner came back and dismissed the dangerous duo of New Zealand captain Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips and this pegged back the scoring rate.

“The over that Kuldeep bowled in which he got Tom Latham out at a crucial time was brilliant and he got Glenn Phillips as well. Otherwise, they were looking good for getting a score of around 290 or 310,” Raina said.

India consolidated their position as the table toppers with this four-wicket win over New Zealand in Dharamsala. This contest was widely regarded as India’s most formidable test in the tournament and it lived up to the billing.

Chasing a challenging total, a batting masterclass by Virat Kohli saw the home side through in the chase. Shami, who picked up a 5-wicket haul, received Player of the Match for his efforts.