ICC World Cup 2019 | I would pick a fit Bhuvneshwar Kumar over Mohammed Shami, states Sachin Tendulkar
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Sachin Tendulkar has said that he prefers Bhuvneshwar Kumar over Mohammed Shami despite his excellent performance against Afghanistan for the game against West Indies. He further stated that Kumar could swing the ball away from Gayle which could prove to be a crucial factor for India.
Mohammed Shami saved India from an embarrassing defeat as his heroics in the game against Afghanistan won the match for the Men in Blue. Afghanistan needing 16 runs off the last over, Shami was entrusted with the responsibility of seeing the match out. He did so in spectacular fashion as he became the first bowler to take a hattrick in the ongoing World Cup, bowling the Asian rivals out 11 runs short of their own total.
Having been on the bench for the first four matches of the tournament, Shami was called into the team after Bhuvneshwar Kumar suffered an injury early on in the match against Pakistan. The right-arm fast returned figures of 4/40 in a man of the match performance. However, Tendulkar still feels Kumar is a better option.
“I feel sorry for Shami but I would pick Bhuvneshvar Kumar because he was the first choice seamer coming into the tournament. So, if he is fit, I would go with him,” said Tendulkar, reported India Today.
Though still not deemed fit for tomorrow’s game against West Indies, Kumar was spotted bowling in the nets and may be able to recover in time to return to the team.
"It's a great news for India that Bhuvneshwar Kumar is fit. I have seen his body language which showed that he is really confident," Tendulkar stated.
Bhuvi has picked five wickets in the three matches he has played in the tournament at an impressive average of 20.4. He is known for his ability to swing the new ball both ways and though Shami has better pace, under bowler friendly conditions, Kumar has the ability to take the game away from the opponent in the first spell itself.
"The only reason being, Bhuvneshwar Kumar can bowl to Chris Gayle at the outer angle and that is what makes Chris Gayle uncomfortable. I still remember how uncomfortable Chris Gayle was when Bhuvneshwar Kumar was bowling at him in the last Test I played. I know it will be a little unfortunate for Mohammed Shami but I believe for this game, Bhuvneshwar Kumar should be picked," Tendulkar signed off.
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