Including Mohammed Shami risky: Sunil Gavaskar

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has mentioned that the inclusion of the injury prone Mohammed Shami in the squad for the World T20 2016 could be a big risk. However, Gavaskar also went on to state that the Indian side has ‘terrific balance’.

Shami, who had been included in the squad to tour Australia, had been withdrawn courtesy of a hamstring injury. In spite of his selection in the 15-man squad, his selection will be subject to fitness. “It will be a bit of risk (including Shami). However, this format is short so (he can bowl four overs). More than a month is left for World T20 and he will get a fair bit of bowling in the Asia Cup too,” Gavaskar told NDTV referring to the bowler who has not played for India since the 2015 World Cup.

The little master also went on to state that the inclusion of left-arm spinner Pawan Negi would only go on to strengthen the squad. Negi will provide backup to first choice spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. “This is a good team, in my view a legspinner would have given more options but selectors have stuck with the same team. The balance of the team in Australia was terrific and that balance hasn’t changed. In fact inclusion of Negi and Shami has strengthened the squad,” he said.

Gavaskar also went on to say that Manish Pandey was unlucky to miss out. However, he also mentioned that the youngster must perform well in the Sri Lankan series at home to make a case for himself. “My honest advice to Manish Pandey would be to have more patience. He should do well in the Sri Lanka series (starting Feb 9) and make a case for permanent selection. And there will be some who will miss out. Players should keep trying. Youngsters should be consistent,” he said.

He finally took the opportunity to wish the team luck prior to their series against Sri Lanka. “Selection committee has shown faith in MS Dhoni and this will give him confidence. When a vote of confidence is given by selection committee, then he can focus on getting the team right.” He said.

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