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3 Potential Replacements For Mohammed Shami If He Stays Unavailable For Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Mohammed Shami has injured his right knee [Source: @OneCricketApp/x.com]Mohammed Shami has injured his right knee [Source: @OneCricketApp/x.com]

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy looming large, Team India faces an unexpected bump in the road. Mohammed Shami, India’s ace pacer who was slated for a grand comeback, has suffered a fresh setback with a knee injury. His anticipated return during the New Zealand series now hangs by a thread.

As a result, India's pace bowling lineup might need a shake-up. With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj already locked in, the big question now is: who could step in to fill Shami’s shoes?

Here are three potential Mohammed Shami replacements who could don the whites in Australia, each with a unique skill set that could add firepower to India's bowling arsenal.

3. Yash Dayal

Yash Dayal has been steadily climbing the ranks in Indian cricket. After earning his maiden Test call-up for the series against Bangladesh, the left-arm pacer now stands on the brink of becoming a key cog in India's fast-bowling unit.

Dayal's inclusion in the Test squad speaks volumes about the faith the selectors have in him. With the ability to swing the ball at a brisk pace and generate awkward angles, Dayal brings a left-handed variety that could unsettle the Australian batsmen.

His recent performances in the unofficial India A series against England Lions, and consistent spells for Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy showcase his tenacity. In the Duleep Trophy 2024, he played one match and grabbed four key wickets. In the Irani Cup 2024, Dayal made a great start and picked up two crucial scalps. A strong performance here can very well throw his name in the mix.

Moreover, in the IPL, Dayal shared the new ball with Shami for Gujarat Titans, forming a lethal partnership that helped the team clinch the title in their debut season. Dayal’s ability to provide early breakthroughs with the new ball makes him a strong contender, especially in Australian conditions where swing and bounce are key factors.


2. Mukesh Kumar

Mukesh Kumar’s rise through the ranks has been nothing short of inspirational. A workhorse on the domestic circuit, Mukesh has proven that hard work and perseverance can indeed pay off.

After being part of India's Test squad earlier this year, Mukesh faced a temporary setback when he was dropped ahead of the Bangladesh series. However, rather than throwing in the towel, Mukesh responded with a bang in the Duleep Trophy, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker with 15 wickets.

Mukesh’s knack for hitting the deck hard and generating movement off the seam makes him a handy option in Australia, where bowlers need to extract whatever bounce the pitch offers. His fiery spell in the Irani Cup, where he picked up two crucial wickets with the new ball, further cemented his case for a Test recall.

Mukesh Kumar has shown time and again that he thrives under pressure, and with Shami’s spot potentially up for grabs, Mukesh could seize the opportunity with both hands.

1. Akash Deep

Akash Deep, in his brief Test career, has already made quite an impression. After a commendable debut against England earlier this year, where he picked up three wickets, Akash truly made his mark in the recent two-match series against Bangladesh, helping India secure a 2-0 win.

His knack for consistently hitting the right lines and lengths along with his ability to generate bounce due to his height, makes him a prime candidate for bowling in Australian conditions.

Akash Deep’s ability to bowl long spells and maintain pressure, especially with the new ball, mirrors some of the key qualities that have made Shami a standout in Test cricket.

His career figures may be in their infancy, but the promise he has shown indicates that he could very well be India’s hidden weapon in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Final Takeaway

While losing Mohammed Shami for a series as significant as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy would be a bitter pill to swallow, India has no shortage of promising fast bowlers who are ready to step up.

Whether it's Yash Dayal with his left-arm swing, Mukesh Kumar with his seam and bounce, or Akash Deep with his consistency, each of these bowlers has the potential to make a lasting impact. As they say, "When one door closes, another opens," and for these young guns, the door to Test cricket in Australia might just be swinging wide open.