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The upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia is generating significant buzz within the cricketing world, and former India coach Ravi Shastri has added fuel to the fire by expressing his desire for veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami to swiftly join the Indian team. Shastri's call for Shami's inclusion stems from his belief that the experienced pacer's presence would provide crucial support for the Indian pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, in the challenging Australian conditions. Shami's return to competitive cricket after a year-long absence due to ankle surgery and subsequent rehabilitation adds another layer of intrigue to the situation. His recent performance in the Ranji Trophy, where he bowled 19 overs and claimed figures of 4 for 54 in Bengal's clash against Madhya Pradesh, has provided evidence of his regained fitness and potential impact on the international stage.
Shastri's vocal advocacy for Shami's inclusion is rooted in the understanding that the BGT will be a high-pressure series, demanding a strong and well-rounded pace attack. The Indian team will be aiming to overcome the challenges posed by the Australian pitches and their formidable batting lineup, making the availability of experienced bowlers like Shami an invaluable asset. While the series schedule leaves room for Shami's potential inclusion in the later stages, the series' significance and the potential impact of his return on the Indian team's bowling strategy have understandably sparked widespread discussions among cricket enthusiasts and pundits alike.
The BGT's significance extends beyond the rivalry between India and Australia. India's performance in the series will have direct implications for their World Test Championship (WTC) aspirations. Having slipped to No. 2 in the WTC table after a disastrous 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand at home, India are in dire need of a strong showing in Australia. Winning at least four out of the five Tests against their formidable opponents would secure their qualification for their third consecutive WTC final. The stakes are undeniably high, and Shastri's call for Shami's inclusion underscores the importance of ensuring a well-prepared and resilient Indian bowling unit. As the countdown to the series intensifies, the spotlight remains firmly on the selection decisions of the Indian team management, and the potential inclusion of Shami adds another layer of anticipation and intrigue to this highly anticipated cricketing encounter.
Source: 'Quicker the better': Ravi Shastri wants this bowler to join Team India in Australia