‘The Staff Should Talk to Shami’: Outgoing India Coach Reckons Pacer’s Fate Under Gambhir’s Tutelage

As Team India comes off a T20 World Cup win from Barbados, the emergence of fresh talent and certain changes as a brand new coach takes over the role. The BCCI revealed that Gautam Gambhir will be the man who will coach Team India, and they have significant targets up ahead, including the Champions Trophy, WTC Championship, and more. The senior players could be put into focus as they need to figure out which format should they prioritize and also touch upon their future. One of the biggest points will be regarding pacer Mohammed Shami, who is recovering from his ankle surgery. A former coach has suggested that the new coaching panel may have to sit down with the pacer regarding his future.

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Coach Gautam Gambhir Urged to Figure Out Mohammed Shami’s Status in Cricket

Mohammed Shami is yet to return to action, and the star-pacer might be needed to take a call upon his future. Outgoing India batting coach Paras Mhambrey believes that the new regime needs to have a sit-down with him regarding his future in the game.  

"The staff should talk to Shami and find out what he wants to do. He's no longer young, so where does he fit in and how many more years does he look to play? How do we use him smartly? I'm sure whoever comes with Gauti [Gautam Gambhir] will find out how to get the best of Shami.

"If Tests are the focus now, then make sure he is in the best shape for the series in Australia. However, what Shami wants and what his body says is paramount. But yes, some cricket is needed before the Australia tour as he has had a long break," Mhambrey said in an interview with The Telegraph.

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Given that Shami is 33, he needs to be regarded as a senior. Unlike Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, the star-pacer may have to prove his worth despite being a god for the Indian cricket fans during the ODI World Cup 2023.

Team India faces enormous challenges in both Tests and ODIs, and Shami's status as a bowler must be determined. Mhambrey says that they cannot equate the pacer to a newcomer and understand his significance in the game.