'Quite phenomenal actually': Ben Stokes names who has been 'the bowler of the World Cup' in India

The Indian cricket team is playing some phenomenal cricket at the ongoing ICC ODI World Cup 2023. India have played seven matches in the tournament thus far and are still undefeated. After their massive win against Sri Lanka on Thursday, India became the first side to qualify for the semi-final. One of the reasons behind India's success is their fast bowlers, who are on a different level altogether. 

3 things you need to know

• Mohammad Shami did not play the first four matches for India in the ODI World Cup 2023
• He was included in the squad after Hardik Pandya sustained injury ahead of the New Zealand clash
• Shami has played just three matches thus far and picked up 14 wickets to his name

Also Read: WATCH: Jasprit Bumrah dismisses Nissanka on the first ball of Sri Lankan innings, crowd gets behind

Ben Stokes lauds Mohammad Shami

England all-rounder Ben Stokes has lauded Mohammad Shami as the standout bowler of the 2023 ODI World Cup, citing his impressive tally of 14 wickets in just three matches in the ongoing campaign. Mohammad Shami has been setting the stage on fire at the ongoing tournament.

“I don’t think he’s played every game but the way in which he’s, in every situation and every game he’s come in it’s been incredible the amount of wickets he’s taken. He’s just found a way to be able to get wicket[s]. Obviously that spell against us was one of many he’s had this World Cup. Sometimes you just say to the opposition that you’re very good and Mohammad Shami’s been very good throughout this whole World Cup,” Ben Stokes said.

"I've played a lot of cricket against Shami, he's a fantastic bowler and I think we watched him last night and they brought a stat up in a World Cup is quite phenomenal actually. He's been obviously the bowler of the World Cup, I think. I don't think he's played every game but the way in which he's, in every situation and every game he's come in it's been incredible the amount of wickets he's taken. He's just found a way to be able to get wicket[s]. Obviously that spell against us was one of many he's had this World Cup. Sometimes you just say to the opposition that you're very good and Mohamed Shami's been very good throughout this whole World Cup," Ben Stokes added.

Mohammad Shami's performance throughout the World Cup 2023 has indeed been exceptional. He has now secured a total of 40 wickets in 13 World Cup matches spanning three editions, boasting an average of 14.07 and an economy rate just below five. In a memorable match against Sri Lanka, where India clinched a record-breaking victory with a 302-run margin, Mohammad Shami played a pivotal role. 

Also Read: Mohammad Shami is now India's highest-ever wicket-taker in World Cup history, goes past Zaheer Khan

Notably, he has accumulated more instances of claiming four wickets or more in World Cup matches than any other bowler, surpassing the records held by Mitchell Starc and Imran Tahir with a remarkable seven such accomplishments. He is now India's highest wicket-taker in the ODI World Cup history.