IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023: Why is Mohammed Shami not playing India vs Pakistan match today?

Cricket enthusiasts were in for a surprise when the Indian team lineup for the highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 was announced. One notable omission from the playing XI was Mohammed Shami, the seasoned pacer known for his lethal bowling.

Why is Mohammed Shami not playing India vs Pakistan match today?

The decision to leave out Shami has sparked discussions and raised questions among fans and experts alike. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind Mohammed Shami’s absence and why Shardul Thakur has been chosen ahead of him.

Before diving into the reasons for his exclusion, it’s crucial to acknowledge Mohammed Shami’s remarkable track record. Shami has been a potent force in the Indian bowling attack, especially in white-ball cricket. His ability to swing the ball both ways, hit the perfect length, and deliver toe-crushing yorkers has made him a valuable asset for Team India.

One of the key factors contributing to Shardul Thakur’s inclusion over Mohammed Shami is the consideration of batting depth.

Rohit Sharma at Toss: “There is a bit of weather around but we cannot think about it too much. Embrace the challenge, embrace the situation. We had a six-day camp in Bangalore where we worked on our skills. The Asia Cup is a quality tournament with quality teams. At the end of the day, we need to think what we can do here. Since the last ODI series we played in the West Indies, we have got a few additions: Shreyas and Bumrah are back. Shardul is there. Hardik, of course. And Shardul is there. And two spinners in Kuldeep and Jadeja.”

In recent times, Shardul Thakur has not only showcased his bowling prowess but also his ability to contribute crucial runs with the bat. This dual role as a bowler and a lower-order batsman adds depth to the Indian batting lineup, a valuable asset in limited-overs cricket.

While the omission of Mohammed Shami from the playing XI against Pakistan is surprising, it is essential to remember that team selections are made based on various factors, including form, conditions, and tactical considerations

India’s playing XI

1 Rohit Sharma (c), 2 Shubman Gill, 3 Ishan Kishan (wk), 4 Virat Kohli, 5 Shreyas Iyer, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Shardul Thakur, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Mohammed Siraj, 11 Jasprit Bumrah