'Where does he fit in...': India's ex-bowling coach makes big remark on Mohammed Shami's comeback after Gautam Gambhir become head coach

India speedster Mohammed Shami who is currently on the road to recovery from the ankle injury he got in the ODI World Cup, hosted by India in 2023. He ended the tournament as the highest wicket-taker with 24 scalps in the marquee event. The 33-year-old pacer will reportedly make a comeback for India vs Bangladesh series which is scheduled to take place before the Border-Gavasker Trophy 2024. However, the former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey suggested India's support staff to have a conversation with Shami on what he wants to do. 

Mhambrey explained that the speedster is no longer young so the the staff should use him smartly for the upcoming series for India. 

"The staff should talk to Shami and find out what he wants to do. He’s no longer young, so where does he fit in and how many more years does he look to play? How do we use him smartly? I’m sure whoever comes with Gauti will find out how to get the best of Shami," Mhambrey said in an interview with The Telegraph.

 

Mhambrey also suggested to the staff that if they are focussing Shami for the Tests then they should make sure that he is in the best shape and play some cricket before the upcoming Test series against Australia. 

 

"If Tests are the focus now, then make sure he is in the best shape for the series in Australia. However, what Shami wants and what his body says is paramount. But yes, some cricket is needed before the Australia tour as he has had a long break," he added.

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Paras Mhambrey's suggestion for selectors

 

He also said that the pacer needs to be treated differently due to the age factor and the Board have to understand the worth of Shami. 

 

“Individual fitness varies and can’t be of the same level. So, the players have to be treated differently. You can’t compare a Shami with some youngster who has just come in. You have to understand what the value of Shami is. Do you need Shami to do the Yo-Yo or bowl those many balls in a Test and win India the game?” Mhambrey said.

 

Shamis is currently in his hometown and the pacer was seen walking without the crutches he recently wished Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after the duo announced their retirement from the T20I after winning the T20 World Cup 2024 hosted by the USA and West Indies. 

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