Team India may miss the services of pacer Mohammed Shami during the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 series beginning from November 22. Shami who underwent a surgery of his ankle injury played his last international match against Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 final. Since then Shami has been out of the Indian team circuit as he was under the recovery period. However, Shami has made a comeback to competitive cricket as was seen playing for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. Shami looked in decent rhythm, however, was not picked for the Indian squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 as the selectors wanted him to have some more gametime.
Matthew Hayden Predicts This Player As Mohammed Shami’s Replacement
However, in Mohammed Shami’s absence, Jasprit Bumrah will have an added responsibility as he will be leading a young pace attack with less experience. Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden while speaking during a press briefing believed that Akash Deep has all the qualities to replace Shami. Hayden opined that Akash Deep has height as well which will benefit him against Australia. Matthew Hayden said, “One of the aspects I’m looking forward to is the competition within the competition – the world-class bowling line-ups of both Australia and India. There’s also the question of who will replace Mohammed Shami, who bowled brilliantly, not just in Perth – where he’s the highest wicket-taker with six wickets at an average of 22 – but across the summer. His effectiveness is particularly crucial in day-night Tests, where seamers shine under twilight conditions.”
Matthew Hayden added, “Amongst the three seamers, Hashit Rana, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna. A like for like, I know Prasidh Krishna did pretty well in the unofficial test matches, but Akash Deep, for me, is probably the nearest replacement to a Mohammad Shami type role, potentially even a little bit taller as well. So I think he’ll go really well in both Perth and Adelaide.”
Akash Deep showcased that he has a knack of picking wickets in the Tests played so far. The latter is effectively very clinical against the left-handed batter and as the Australian consists of lefty batters such as Usman Khawaja, Travis Head and other, he might cause troubles for them.
