Mohammed Shami not in current scheme of things for T20 WC: Ashish Nehra

Former fast bowler Ashish Nehra reckons that India bowler Mohammed Shami is not in the current scheme of things for India going into the T20 World Cup. Nehra, however, feels that although he might not play in the tournament this year, he could be in contention for the 2023 ODI World Cup that will be held in India.

The former pacer also added that India must play Shami for the upcoming ODI series in England. Shami is currently being rested from ongoing India vs South Africa T20Is after playing last in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, and last played an ODI in November 2020 and a T20I in November 2021. 

“Seems like he doesn’t feature in the current scheme of things for the T20 World Cup. But we all know about his abilities. Even if he doesn’t play in this year’s T20 World Cup, India will definitely consider him for the 2023 World Cup at home,” Nehra told Cricbuzz.

 I would take Shami in the bracket of best bowlers: Ashish Nehra

“We don’t have many ODIs this year and Shami is on a break at the moment after the IPL. India can play him in England for the 50-over games after the Test match,” said the 43-year-old.

Shami is not in the India squad that is currently playing against South Africa for a five-match T20I series and is also not in the squad for the upcoming two-match away T20I series against Ireland. He is part of the 16-member squad that will tour England for a one-off Test match in Edgbaston, Birmingham, and is expected to start in the match. India will also play three T20Is and three ODIs on the tour.

“You will play three ODI games against a top-quality white-ball team like England, and you would definitely love to beat them. And for that, you need your best bowlers. I would definitely take Shami in that bracket,” concluded Nehra