Mohammed Shami says Bhuvneshwar Kumar should have been picked earlier
Mohammed Shami welcomed Bhuvneshwar Kumar's India recall and said the seamer should have been picked earlier after consistent domestic and IPL performances.
Mohammed Shami said Bhuvneshwar Kumar should have been picked for India a long time ago after the seamer earned a recall for the T20I tour of New Zealand. Shami made the comments on the first day of Bengal's Ranji Trophy match against Delhi in Kalyani, where he took four for 30. Bhuvneshwar was selected after back-to-back strong performances in the IPL.
Shami said sustained performances should be rewarded regardless of age or time away from the national side. He said he welcomed Bhuvneshwar's selection and argued that talent should not be overlooked for extended periods. When asked about his own prospects, Shami replied sarcastically that he was not a good bowler.
Shami also criticised the Kalyani pitch for being too slow for Bengal's pace attack. He said the surface did not assist the seamers despite the presence of Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar and himself in the side. Bengal dismissed Delhi for 240 on day one.
CricHubb Take
Shami's own four-wicket haul in Kalyani, while his team still needed a slow pitch, shows how much harder it is for a fast bowler to stay visible once selectors decide the window has closed.