![Why Cummins replaced Shami [Source: AP Photo]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1744909078267_WhyCumminsreplacedShami.jpg?type=mq)
Why Cummins replaced Shami [Source: AP Photo]
Pat Cummins, the Sunrisers Hyderabad captain made an interesting tactical call midway through the match as he replaced an out of form Mohammed Shami with spinner Rahul Chahar. Normally, when a team is bowling second, they tend to replace a batter with a bowler to get some extra cushion while defending.
However, Cummins made a bold decision as he replaced a bowler with a bowler and Shami walked back to the dugout despite his one-over left to be bowled. By the time he was replaced, the Indian seamer had bowled 3 overs.
Why Cummins replaced Shami with Chahar?
Mohammed Shami had bowled 3 overs for 28 runs without a wicket and looked the weak link in the SRH bowling attack. His confidence was down and out and MI batters were eager to target him and as a result, Cummins decided to make an instant Impact substitute.
Plus, the pitch was on the slower side and the spinners were easily gripping the ball, hence an extra spinner was brought in. Shami lost a considerable pace and accuracy and MI knew that they could easily target the pacer as he looked out of confidence.
Shami's woeful IPL 2025 season
Bought by SRH with a lot of hope, Shami has been woeful with the ball. In 7 matches, he only has 5 wickets, at an economy of 10.88. Interestingly, against Punjab Kings, he conceded 75 runs in 4 overs which was the second worst recorded spell in IPL history.
Despite playing him in this clash, the pacer wasn't at his best and Cummins had to make this harsh call.
 "Anurag Dasgupta")
