Mohammed Shami's superb performance against New Zealand on Sunday was lauded by Pakistani cricket icon Wasim Akram, who also stated that the team can afford to play Hardik Pandya for the IND vs. England match on October 29 in Lucknow.
Wasim Akram stated in an interview with Sportskeeda.com, "This squad looks good even without Pandya." If he is healthy, it is great. Shami will be hard to let go of at this point. I believe India shouldn't risk Pandya (against England) because even though you could initially feel well with a hamstring or quad issue, you could pull a muscle during the game. So, before you play him, let him fully heal."
The legendary cricket player from Pakistan acknowledged the team's management and noted that every player in the squad appears prepared when he enters the starting XI.
"Kudos to the team management for making every member of the squad appear prepared when they enter the starting lineup. Shami's ball can veer in any direction when it strikes the seam. According to him, Shami was the player of the game, as reported by Sportskeeda.com.
On October 22, at Dharamshala, the team's ODI World Cup match against New Zealand, the most seasoned pacer, Mohammed Shami, was chosen among the bowlers.
Mohammed Shami's five-wicket haul was instrumental in helping India to their fifth consecutive win in #CWC23 ?
— ICC (@ICC) October 22, 2023
It helps him win the @aramco #POTM ?#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/rBKVgNYgPX
Against the Kiwis, Shami put on a great show and claimed five wickets, including those of Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Daryl Mitchell, and Matt Henry. India defeated New Zealand as well, becoming the sixth World Cup winner in a row.
The two next World Cup matches for India, one in Lucknow on October 29 against the reigning champions England and the other in Mumbai on November 2, are set to be played without the star all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
Hardik Pandya likely to miss the World Cup match against England on Sunday. (News18). pic.twitter.com/MELclxnrzL
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 24, 2023
News agency PTI was informed by NCA sources that Hardik was still taking his medicine. Even though his left ankle's swelling has significantly decreased, he won't begin bowling until the weekend. It's crucial to allow him time to heal right now."
In addition, a BCCI source informed ANI that Pandaya had a severe sprain but thankfully not a fracture. The medical staff of BCCI wants to be as cautious as possible. He is probably going to miss the next two or three games. "The team desires that he be fully fit for the elimination phase."
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