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India Should Play Mohammed Shami Over Shardul Thakur Against Afghanistan: Anil Kumble

image-lnl58i7aMohammed Shami and Shardul Thakur [X.com]

After notching a hard-fought win over Australia, India will clash against Afghanistan today in their second ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 encounter at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

Given the amount of runs scored in the tie between Sri Lanka and South Africa, Team India might play the extra pacer in place of a specialist spinner.  Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin could find himself replaced from the XI, with either Mohammed Shami or Shardul Thakur coming in.

Former India captain and coach Anil Kumble has urged team management to field Shami over Thakur in their game against Afghanistan. 

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Kumble, who claimed 10 wickets in an Test innings at Kotla, stated how Shami's inclusion could make it tough for Afghanistan's top-order as opposed to Thakur. 

Here's what Kumble said

"I know India have used Shardul Thakur, but I would lean towards having a Mohammed Shami in terms of quality and ability that he brings in because you look at Afghanistan, Gurbaz has been their go-to player and he is in great form, so you would want to get Gurbaz early with three quality opening bowlers."

Shami holds a psychological advantage over Afghanistan, having taken a hat-trick the last time these two sides met in a World Cup match in 2019.

Earlier, Rahul Dravid and Co. opted to field three spinners against Australia in Chennai, and playing Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as front-line pacers