‘Siraj’s slot is taken’: Watson raises the alarm for India’s star with candid remark during WC 2023

In the absence of all-rounder Hardik Pandya, veteran pacer Mohammed Shami is eager to give the Indian think tank some new headaches. Former Australian cricket player Shane Watson is certain that the standout fast bowler for the Men in Blue has proven himself unstoppable in the ICC World Cup. Vice captain Pandya’s ankle injury opened the door for Shami and Suryakumar Yadav to make their Indian XI debuts in the 2023 ICC World Cup.

Against New Zealand, India’s pivotal encounter saw Shami and Suryakumar replace an injured Pandya and all-rounder Shardul Thakur. Both players were kept in for the crucial match against England. Speedster Shami destroyed the England side at Lucknow, taking four wickets at a record-equaling rate, while middle-order batsman Suryakumar hammered 49 off 47 balls. Pace ace Shami had won the match against New Zealand before going on the rampage against the reigning champs.

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“Shami stepped in to replace Siraj.”

Former Australian all-rounder Watson stated, in an interview with Star Sports, that Shami has even taken the place of teammate Mohammed Siraj in the current lineup after his incredible return to the Indian XI. “It’s a huge problem for India.” This indicates that the squad is performing at its peak level and that every player is putting forth their best effort. Shami has, in my opinion, replaced Siraj because of the way he has bowled during the past two games. “He’s been amazing,” Watson said.

A short look at Shami’s incredible World Cup record

Senior pacer Shami has the lowest bowling average (minimum 20 wickets) in the 50-over ICC World Cup. On the elite list, the fast bowler is ranked ahead of players like Shaheen Afridi, Shane Bond, Michael Holding, and Geoff Allott. The 32-year-old is third among Indian wicket-takers in the World Cup’s 50-over format. In 13 innings, Shami has claimed 40 wickets for the two-time world champions. Shami has taken more wickets at the World Cup than all previous Indian pacers combined, Zaheer Khan (44) and JavagaL Srinath (44) combined.

‘When Shami is on his game…’

“As demonstrated against England, Shami is incredibly challenging to play against when he’s performing at his best. He is capable of outlasting any batter both inside and out. And it always hits the stumps because of how exact his length is. He asks inquiries in there all the time. It was terrible Hardik was hurt during the fall. However, that meant that Shami had a chance, and in my opinion, his bowling has improved over Siraj’s. Watson continued.