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[Saba Sports News] Former India cricketer Suresh Raina opined that the Rohit Sharma-led side should stick to playing Mohammad Shami in their upcoming World Cup matches.
As India all-rounder Hardik Pandya injured his ankle in the fixture versus Bangladesh and was not available for the New Zealand, India had to tinker with their combination by including Shami.
In what was his maiden appearance in the 2023 World Cup, Shami did not disappoint as he took a five-wicket haul. He became the first Indian bowler to claim two five-fors in the ODI World Cup history.
Looking at Shami’s performance, Raina want India to play him in their remaining games even when Hardik comes back.
This would be possible if India compromise on their batting depth by dropping Shardul Thakur or Suryakumar Yadav.
“Shami, (Mohammed) Siraj, (Jasprit) Bumrah Jadeja, Kuldeep, Hardik – this I feel is the best combination for this World Cup,” Raina told Aaj Tak.
“Now that Shami has taken this five-wicket haul, Rohit has more options with three attacking bowlers who can operate in the death overs as well. It is some relief for Hardik as well because when these three bowl, the pressure will be waved off a bit. He can create pressure in his own way,” he added.
On the back of Shami’s five wickets, India restricted New Zealand to a score of 273. In the second innings, Virat Kohli with his 95-run knock took India to their fifth consecutive win in the ongoing World Cup.
With this victory, India moved to the top of the points table. The Men in Blue will next lock horns with England on October 29 in Lucknow.