Mohammed Shami: India's gamble with injured pacer hasn't paid off

New Delhi: India who had selected Mohammed Shami in the 15-man squad for the upcoming Asia Cup and the 2016 ICC World Twenty20, has faced a fresh issue as the pacer who is still injured, has been replaced by Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

The BCCI confirmed on Friday that Shami has been ruled out of the Asia Cup and the decision has been taken to give him more time to recover from the Grade II injury to his left hamstring.

Shami was picked earlier as the team hoped their premier bowler would be in the race to get complete match fitness ahead of these crucial tournaments, bit in contrast their hopes have been dashed.

Mohammed Shami last featured for India in the 2015 ICC World Cup in Australia and since then he underwent a knee surgery which sidelined him for more than eight months. After returning to the side for the series against Australia, Shami injured his hamstring and was ruled out even before bowling a ball.

Despite the Bengal pacer's lack of playing time, the selectors had gone ahead to select him for the Asia Cup and the ICC World Twenty20. The major question back then was whether the Indian selectors have done the right thing by selecting Shami? The answer was revealed on Friday.

India needed a complete fit Shami for both the tourneys and now with him lacking fitness, the decision to pick him in the squad at the first place turns out to be a poor one.

Shami will feel gutted as he will not be able to participate in the upcoming Asia Cup and also is in serious doubt for the World Cup. India will look to stick with his replacement Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the World Cup too rather than rushing in the former.