'Mohammed Shami needs a good IPL to remain in T20I frame'

T20 World Cup in October-November expected to be in full swing post the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season, the coming two months could determine Mohammed Shami’s international future in white-ball cricket. TOI has learnt that currently Shami isn’t one of the first-choice pacers in limited-overs cricket for the selectors and team management. Shami hasn’t been picked for any white-ball series for India post the disastrous T20 World Cup last November. While the selectors had cited that Shami was rested for the home series against West Indies last month, no such reason was given for the subsequent T20I series against Sri Lanka. Shami has just played five Test matches since the T20 World Cup.

TOI understands that the team management and selectors are moving towards having specialist bowlers for different formats. Shami will be briefed about the situation. “It’s difficult to sustain all-format bowlers for all conditions. Jasprit Bumrah is the only one who has excelled in all formats. This team management believes in presenting a clear picture to all the players. Shami will surely be spoken to,” a BCCI source told TOI. In his nine-year career, Shami has only played in 17 T20Is and has an economy rate of 9.54, and his overall T20 economy rate is not flattering. “His ODI career is much better placed. But this IPL will be a kind of trial for him to be considered for the T20 World Cup and he also understands it,” the source added.

TOI also understands that the team management is keen to have more multi-skilled bowlers who are also very swift in the field. Along with Shami, Ashwin’s white-ball career too seems to be hanging in balance for same reasons. Having two slow fielders in the XI is not the ideal situation. India’s