Mohammed Shami, India’s prime bowler in the 2019 ODI World Cup is not performing well in the last few series. He is India’s frontline bowler in tests as well. Mohammed Shami was the leading wicket-taker in 2019 with 42 scalps in just 21 matches. But for the last 3 years, Shami has not performed up to the mark. His death bowling has certainly dipped in limited overs format, especially T20 cricket.
As India Cricket is moving at a swift pace, selectors should look for young Indian pace bowlers who have been performing well in Ranji Trophy. These young pacers will give you raw pace and are most likely to take wickets even in pitches like India where spin plays the major role. We have listed 3 pacers that can perform at the international level and can replace Mohammed Shami in a limited overs format.
Umran Malik
Pacers who can bowl consistently 150+ kmph are a treat to watch. Bowlers like Umran Malik come once in a generation in Indian Cricket. He might go for a few extra runs but he has this knack of taking wickets in crucial stages of the match. Umran Malik is the perfect bowler who can replace Mohammad Shami in ODI and T20 cricket in the long run.
Arshdeep Singh
India’s new death bowler Arshdeep Singh has performed brilliantly in the T20 format for Indian Cricket and his IPL franchise Punjab Kings. After Jasprit Bumrah injury, Arshdeep has taken over the role of bowling pressure overs in T20 Internationals. He was the best bowler for team India in T20I World Cup 2022. Till now Arshdeep has played 23 T20Is and has taken 36 wickets. Indian captain Rohit Sharma can try Arshdeep death bowling experience in ODIs as well.
Shivam Mavi
Shivam Mavi is one the top domestic performer for Indian Cricket for the last 3-4 years. He has been performing superbly in the Ranji trophy for a long time. When you have to replace bowlers like Mohammed Shami, you need someone who can be useful with the bat also, Mavi provides that added advantage. On 3rd January 2023, he made his T20I debut for India against Sri Lanka at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. He picked up 4 wickets for 22 runs and became the third Indian cricketer to take four wickets on his T20I debut. BCCI should try him in the ODI format because he’s probably the best bowler in the domestic circuit for the last few years.
Every player has a peak in their cricket career and it seems Mohammed Shami has lost that charm in the limited overs format. It would be great if he could focus on red-ball cricket more.