A veteran India pacer has recently opened up about the selection bias he faced during the 2019 World Cup, where India lost to New Zealand in the semi-finals.
The 33-year-old pacer subtly criticized the then captain-coach duo, Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri, for overlooking him for the crucial knockout match against New Zealand and providing him with limited opportunities.
Premium India fast bowler Mohammed Shami emphasized that he can’t showcase his skills if he doesn’t receive sufficient chances. However, Shami didn’t complain about the exclusion and remained confident that those who believed in him would eventually offer him an opportunity.
While Shami didn’t name anyone, his remarks clearly pointed to Kohli and Shastri, who were in charge of decision-making during the 2019 World Cup.
Mohammed Shami has had to play second fiddle
Despite having impressive statistics, Shami has often played second fiddle and has not been a top priority.
Four years after the 2019 World Cup, Shami once again wasn’t chosen as the first-choice player for the playing XI in last year’s ODI World Cup in India.
However, after Hardik Pandya’s injury, Shami was brought into the team and made the most of the opportunity, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 24 scalps and helping India reach the final.
Unfortunately, he aggravated a heel injury during the competition and had to undergo surgery, which has kept him on the sidelines since.
