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'Will Come Into Picture if…,’ MSK Prasad on Shami's Possible Inclusion Against BAN

image-lnw1m02gMohammed Siraj (L) and Mohammed Shami (R). (X.com)

Former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad reckons that the possibility of pacer Mohammed Shami playing the match against Bangladesh hinges on the team's decision to rotate Mohammed Siraj.

The Men in Blue, currently on a winning streak, have emerged victorious against Australia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan in the 2023 World Cup, and their next challenge is Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune on October 19.

Prasad, who picked India's squad for the 2019 World Cup, praised India's use of a "horses for courses" approach, noting its success in the ongoing World Cup. He highlighted their strategic use of specific players based on pitch conditions. 

“They are using horses for courses and it is working fantastically well for the team. If you see they used Ashwin in Chennai and Shardul for the other two games (in Delhi and Ahmedabad). Last game, Shardul was not required as the others did the job,”  MSK Prasad told PTI.

Shami to replace Siraj?

Prasad emphasized that Shami would be considered if India decided to rotate Siraj. The team's replacement choices are clear at this point. Suryakumar Yadav would replace Shreyas Iyer if necessary, Ishan Kishan would step in for Shubman Gill at the top of the order, and Shardul would play if the pitch is flat. If the conditions are more favorable for spin, Ravichandran Ashwin would be included.

"Shami will come into picture if they want to rotate Siraj. Replacements are very clear right now, Sky (Suryakumar Yadav) will replace Shreyas (Iyer) if there is a need, Ishan will replace Gill at the top and Shardul will play if it is a flat deck. Ashwin will come in his place if it is a turning track,”  Prasad added.

The team's composition for the Bangladesh match is still a subject of speculation. Some believe Siraj might be rested to make way for Shami, while others suggest Shardul Thakur could be dropped, given his minimal involvement in the Pakistan clash.

Although Shami hasn't featured in the tournament so far, the history of the MCA Stadium in Pune, which tends to favor seam bowlers, especially under evening lights, might tempt India to include the experienced seamer against Bangladesh. The final decision will depend on various factors, including pitch conditions and team strategy.