Shami's role in the side needs to be defined clearly after Bumrah's return: Zaheer Khan

Veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami was in sizzling hot form in the first game of the India’s tour of New Zealand. Shami accounted for the dismissal of both the Kiwi batsmen in the first ODI, and he cleaned them up by running through their defences. Later in the game, the speedster scalped one more wicket to finish with excellent figures of 6-2-19-3.

He was adjudged the Player of the Match for his heroics as India sealed the game in an emphatic manner. After the game, in a post match show on Cricbuzz, Zaheer Khan analysed the performance of the veteran pacer. He was asked by Harsha Bhogle if Shami has booked his place in India’s World Cup squad with his good show in the match. To this, Zaheer noted that Shami has done so, but to an extent. He pointed out that Shami will have to play a new role when Jasprit Bumrah comes back to the side.

“Almost, yes. Again, it is going to be critical on how you use Mohammad Shami. You have to have a defined role for your third seamer. At the moment, Shami is bowling with the new ball. Bumrah is going to be back in the side, and he will probably take the new ball. So, Shami will have to alter his role in the side,” Zaheer Khan quoted.

When should Shami take the ball?

Commenting further on similar lines, Zaheer Khan opined that Shami should perhaps finish his quota of overs before the 40-overs mark. He cited that Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Bumrah have been bowling excellently in the death overs, and hence, when they unite again, Shami will fit in the side as the third seamer. He wants Shami’s role in the side to be defined very clearly by the management.

Looking at his bowling style, I think he should be finishing his overs before the 40 overs mark. Bumrah will be taking the load in the death overs… Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Bumrah have been bowling the last 7-8 overs consistently well for the team. So keeping that in mind, and the fact that Bumrah will come back in to the side, Shami will bowl one change, and hence, his role in the side has to be defined clearly,” Zaheer Khan reckoned.

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