“Took 13 wickets in three matches” – Mohammed Shami admits to being perplexed after not being picked for 2019 World Cup semifinal

India’s gun fast bowler Mohammed Shami recalled his exclusion from the 2019 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand. Shami shared his surprise as he had picked up 13 wickets in three matches before the semis. The fast bowler picked 14 wickets in four matches in the ODI showpiece at an impressive average of 13.79.

India played with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, and Hardik Pandya as their five bowlers against the Kiwis. In the end, India went on to lose by 18 runs.

Shami bagged 5-69 against England at Edgbaston but India lost that match by 31 runs.

Mohammed Shami said on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast, “I could not understand one thing. There is this question mark in my mind. Every team needs those players who are performing. (I) took 13 wickets in three matches. What more do you expect? I have neither any questions nor the answer. If you give me an opportunity, I will speak.

“I can show my skill when I have the ball in my hand. I got an opportunity and picked up 13 wickets in three matches. Then we lost to New Zealand (in the semi-final). I played a total of four matches and claimed 14 wickets. Here, (2023 ODI World Cup), I played seven matches and took 24 wickets,” he added.

Shami said he didn’t ask any questions to the selectors and the team management led by Ravi Shastri.

“I don’t ask questions. Why should I? There is no need to. If you need my skills, give me a chance and that’s it,” the Uttar Pradesh-born pacer stated.

Shami has an impeccable record in ODI World Cup history as he has bagged 55 wickets in 18 matches at an average of 13.52 and an economy rate of 5.13.