Indian legend justified delay in Shami's return, defended Rohit-Virat; Raised concern on Siraj

Everyone was waiting for Mohammad Shami to play in the first T20 between India and England. This wait increased further, because this fast bowler, who has been away from the field for 14 months, did not get a chance to play in Kolkata. Along with this, the question arose whether Shami is fully fit? Meanwhile, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan justified the team management's decision of not playing Shami.

Apart from this, he defended out-of-form Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. He raised questions on Mohammad Siraj's non-selection in the Champions Trophy. Irfan Pathan also expressed concern over the lack of backup players for fast bowling in the team selected for the Champions Trophy. He said that Mohammad Siraj could have been included considering Jasprit Bumrah's fitness.

Irfan Pathan justified team decision of not playing Shami

Irfan Pathan said during the promotional event, "When you have been such an experienced player and are among the top 10 bowlers of India, you understand the limits of your body very well. Shami always gives honest feedback to the team management, and decisions are Recovery at the high level takes time, especially after playing continuously.

Shami did not play international cricket after the 2023 ODI World Cup After undergoing surgery and rehab following an ankle injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup, Shami made an impressive comeback in domestic cricket and represented Bengal in all three formats. Shami has been selected in India's white-ball squad against England. It includes five T20s and three ODIs.

Shami did not play international cricket after the 2023 ODI World Cup

This is being seen as preparation before the Champions Trophy next month. Questions on Jasprit Bumrah's fitness Questions on the fitness of Indian team's fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah suffered a back problem in the last match of the five-match Test series in Australia. He could not bowl in the second innings of the Sydney Test.

In such a situation, Shami's availability for the Champions Trophy is important for India's chances. In such a situation, Irfan also expressed concern over the lack of a backup player for fast bowling in the team selected for the Champions Trophy and said that Mohammad Siraj could have been included considering Bumrah's fitness.

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You need a backup pacer

Regarding Mohammad Siraj, Irfan Pathan said, "You need a backup pacer. Siraj could have been a good option. It is not practical to play four spinners in Dubai. It will not be easy for Bumrah and Shami after they return from injury. Still, we expect the players selected by the selectors to perform well and we should support them."

Defended Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Irfan Pathan also commented on the poor form of senior batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli during India's 1-3 series loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He said that failing in Tests does not mean that both the veteran players will struggle in white ball cricket as well. He said, "They will start scoring runs in white ball cricket.

Summary

There is no doubt about it. Test cricket is a completely different game. Adjustments are required, whether it is Virat handling the balls outside the off stump or Rohit finding his rhythm. ODIs are their favorite format and they will come back strongly." Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma made a comeback in Ranji Trophy and failed