Shami has etched his name in the record books as the leading wicket-taker for India in the history of the 50-over spectacle. With 54 wickets in just 17 matches at the ICC World Cup, he has not only been consistent but has also displayed a level of excellence that sets him apart.
ICC World Cup 2023 final: Mohammed Shami
In the lead-up to the highly anticipated ICC World Cup 2023 final between India and Australia, Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian cricket team, took a moment to reflect on the remarkable comeback of the seasoned pacer, Mohammed Shami. As the captain of a team poised to make history, Rohit Sharma expressed his admiration for Shami’s contribution to the team’s journey in the tournament.
Having secured an unbeaten record in the ICC World Cup with 10 consecutive victories, Rohit Sharma and his team were gearing up to face Pat Cummins’ Australia in the summit clash. The significance of this final wasn’t lost on anyone, as India aimed to break their longstanding trophy drought in ICC events, having previously triumphed in the 1983 and 2011 editions of the ICC World Cup.
Rohit Sharma, addressing the media on the eve of the final in Ahmedabad, heaped praise on Mohammed Shami for his sensational comeback into the One Day International (ODI) World Cup squad. Shami’s inclusion came as a result of an unfortunate injury to all-rounder Hardik Pandya, opening the door for the experienced fast bowler to join India’s world-class bowling lineup.
Reflecting on Shami’s journey to the ICC World Cup, Rohit remarked, “It was tough for Mohammed Shami not to be part of the World Cup initially. He was there to help Mohammed Siraj, and it shows his quality. We told him why he wasn’t part of it, and he worked in the nets. The results are showing and say a lot about him.”
Shami’s impact in the ODI World Cup has been nothing short of sensational since his entry into the playing XI. Notably, in the semi-final against New Zealand, he delivered a magical performance, claiming figures of 7 for 57, a remarkable achievement that played a crucial role in India’s victory. Shami’s seven-wicket haul made him the first-ever Indian bowler to achieve such a feat in a ICC World Cup knockout game, solidifying his position as a key player for the team.
Furthermore, Shami has etched his name in the record books as the leading wicket-taker for India in the history of the 50-over spectacle. With 54 wickets in just 17 matches at the ODI World Cup, he has not only been consistent but has also displayed a level of excellence that sets him apart. Additionally, Shami holds the distinction of being the fastest bowler to reach 50 wickets in the ODI World Cup, underlining his prowess on the international stage.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaited the India-Australia clash in the World Cup final, Rohit Sharma revealed that the team was yet to finalize their playing XI. In a nod to the competitiveness within the squad, Rohit stated, “We haven’t decided anything. All 15 can play. Opportunity is there for everyone, and we will assess the pitch tomorrow, and 12 to 13 are ready to play. We haven’t decided on 11. I want every player to be ready.”
In a rematch of the 2003 summit clash, where India faced Australia, the stage was set for an epic showdown at the Narendra Modi Stadium. With the legacy of Indian cricket on the line and the hopes of a nation riding on their shoulders, Rohit Sharma and his team were poised for a historic battle against the five-time champions. As the cricketing world held its breath, the final promised to be a fitting conclusion to a tournament filled with drama, skill, and the indomitable spirit of competition.
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