World Cup 2023: The ICC ODI World Cup 2023 has witnessed exceptional bowling performances, but one fast bowler has particularly stood out—Mohammed Shami of India. His prowess has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention and admiration of England’s cricketer Ben Stokes, who recently hailed Shami as the “Bowler of the World Cup.”
Despite his vast experience, 33-year-old Shami was not initially featured in India’s playing eleven during the first four matches of the tournament. The strategic play changed when all-rounder Hardik Pandya sustained an injury, prompting a shuffle in the team’s composition. This alteration paved the way for Mohammed Shami’s return, alongside Suryakumar Yadav. Shami’s impact was immediate and profound—he claimed 14 wickets in just three matches, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament.
World Cup 2023: Shami’s return to the field was nothing short of sensational, as he claimed five wickets in his opening match against New Zealand. He continued his wicket-taking spree against England and further dazzled the cricket world with a remarkable performance against Sri Lanka, where he not only secured five wickets for 18 runs in five overs but also earned the Player of the Match title.
The match against Sri Lanka was particularly historic for Shami as he set a new record for India in the ODI World Cup. With a total of 45 wickets to his name, he surpassed the previous Indian record-holders, Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath, who both had a tally of 44 wickets each.
World Cup 2023: On the eve of England’s showdown with Australia, Ben Stokes, who had been following Shami’s performance closely, spoke highly of the Indian pacer’s recent spell against Sri Lanka. He acknowledged Shami’s brilliance, saying, “I’ve played a lot of cricket against Shami, and he’s truly a world-class bowler. To me, he stands out as the ‘Bowler of the World Cup’. His ability to consistently take wickets, despite not playing every game, and adapt to various situations is just incredible.”
Stokes emphasized the remarkable skill with which Shami has been finding ways to dismantle batting line-ups, highlighting his versatility and strategic approach to the game. His praise underlines Shami’s vital role in India’s campaign at the World Cup and acknowledges his substantial contributions to the sport, showcasing that true talent cannot be sidelined for long. With the World Cup still unfolding, Mohammed Shami’s resurgence is a testament to his skill, endurance, and unyielding spirit, characteristics that are the hallmark of cricketing greats.
Image Credit – indiatoday
