Tabraiz Shamsi will leak runs in final against India: Robin Uthappa

The surface of Kensington Oval in Barbados has supported the batters so far in the ongoing T20 World Cup. India’s game against Afghanistan was played on the same ground, in which, the Rohit Sharma-led side managed to post 181 runs in the first innings. In that match, barring Rashid Khan, who knows the Indian players very well, other spinners were not very effective. Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa feels that the same can happen with South Africa on June 29.

Keshav Maharaj has been South Africa’s first-choice spinner in the tournament. The 34-year-old has picked up nine wickets in seven matches at an average of 16.88 and is very likely to start against India in the final. The same cannot be said for Tabraiz Shamsi. The leg-spinner has been terrific with 11 wickets to his name but the Aiden Markram-led side hasn’t used him enough in the tournament.

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He played only in conditions which offered spin and for the same reason, South Africa may contemplate playing an extra seamer in Ottneil Baartman. However, former India cricketer Robin Uthappa believes that it would be great for India in case Shamsi gets the green light. He added that the spinner can leak runs, given how Indian batters have played so far. 

“As far as I am concerned, if Shamsi is playing, I will be damn happy, especially in Barbados. And if Baartman is playing, I will be like, we have to be a little wary. Who would I prefer between these two? Definitely, Shamsi. I know that he will give runs. Even if he takes a wicket, I don't care. If he takes 40-45-50 runs, I am done. Because in India's current batting approach, even if he takes a wicket, it's not a big deal,” Uthappa said in Ravichandran Ashwin's recent YouTube video 'Judgement Day'.

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Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin agreed to Uthappa’s comments and noted that Indian players love to sweep and they would enjoy playing against Shamsi. However, he believes that Baartman would place the spinner in the playing XI.

“Shamsi is one bowler who will go for sweeps. And India has been sweeping. I believe South Africa should seriously consider playing (Ottniel) Baartman ahead of Shamsi for the final,” Ashwin added.