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‘This Asia Cup team won’t go to T20 World Cup. These are back-ups': Ex-India chief selector after Shami's exclusion
Former chief selector Kiran More makes a stunning claim over the absence of Mohammed Shami in the Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2022.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2022 on Monday, that saw the return of Virat Kohli in the side. While Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel were ruled out due to injuries, KL Rahul also made a return to the team after making a full recovery, while the trio of Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Chahar, and Axar Patel was named among standbys. However, former India chief selector Kiran More noticed one name missing from the Indian squad – Mohammed Shami.
The bowler hasn't been a part of the Indian T20I setup since the World Cup last year, and even though he produced consistent performances for Gujarat Titans en route to their title-winning campaign in the 2022 Indian Premier League, Shami remains out of the T20I squad. Despite his long absence from the Indian team in the shortest format of the game, More says he won't be surprised if Shami makes an entry into the squad for the T20 World Cup later this year.
When asked about the presence of Hardik as an important all-round option, More said that while the 28-year-old's presence is crucial, Shami is a “must” in the XI as a proper fast bowler.
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“The way Hardik made his comeback was impressive. He's now bowling 140+. A captain wants a player like that -- who can score runs, take wickets, and be alert on the field. But I also want to say one thing -- this team won't go into the World Cup until Mohammed Shami comes into the side. These are back-ups who are travelling there, as preparation for the World Cup,” More said on Star Sports' Follow the Blues.
“Shami must go for the World Cup, I still say that. Rahul Dravid has this process, he likes to have back-ups. If a bowler gets injured, someone like Avesh Khan can be useful in the World Cup. I don't know what is the extent of Bumrah's injury, but come the World Cup, and Bumrah (if fit) and Shami will definitely go to World Cup,” the former chief selector further said.
Bumrah was ruled out of the squad due to a back injury. He last appeared for India in a three-match ODI series against England in July.
