‘We are clear in the way we have gone…..’ – India bowling coach breaks silence on dropping Mohammed Shami in Asia Cup 2023

Team India defended a narrow target against Sri Lanka on September 12 in the Super Fours of the Asia Cup 2023, which helped them make their way into the finals of the marquee event. Notably, the return of Jasprit Bumrah is magnificent, which boosts India’s pace attack with Mohammad Siraj and Hardik Pandya. However, it forces management to bench Mohammed Shami despite his lethal form.

Meanwhile, speaking on the same subject, India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey reveals that it is not easy for them to bench Mohammed Shami considering his magnificent bowling spells in 50-over formats. The former India bowler heaped praise on the GT bowler, calling him phenomenal for the wins he has gotten for India in the past so many years. However, the former pacer also heaps praise on Bumrah for his comeback after an injury.

It’s not very easy to drop someone like Mohammed Shami: Paras Mhambrey

“We have been following Bumrah’s progress from the NCA, and we are very happy with the report that we have got. It’s not very easy to drop someone like Shami. The experience that he has and the performance that he has done for the country is phenomenal. It’s never easy to have that kind of a conversation (dropping a player),” Paras Mhambrey said being quoted by NDTV Sports.

The 51-year-old coach also defended their decision to play three pacers other than Shami. In addition, the Mumbai-born cricketer also reveals that the players do not have any problems as they have been benched. “But we are clear in the way we have gone about the conversation with the players and they have shown confidence in us. Players know any decision that we take and they know that it is for the benefit of the team,” he added further.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma and Co. will be next seen in action against Bangladesh on September 15 in Colombo before playing the finals.