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After being sidelined from India's playing eleven in the first four matches of the World Cup, Mohammed Shami's entry into the playing XI left the world in awe with his remarkable performances. Shami has been a game-changer in every match he's played, creating a wicket-taking spree. In just six matches, he has claimed 23 wickets, leading him to become the top wicket-taker of this World Cup. Shami is now just one step away from being part of a World Champion team, having played a pivotal role in taking India to the final.
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Shami's journey in this World Cup is one that is unlikely to be forgotten. His remarkable turnaround in fortune came on October 19, following a distressing incident during a crucial World Cup match against Bangladesh. In this match, India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya sustained an injury while fielding, which led to his ankle getting hurt. This injury ruled Pandya out of the World Cup.
Pandya's exit from the tournament was a blow to the Indian team, but it also turned the tide for Shami, who was waiting on the bench. Shami grabbed this opportunity with both hands. His inclusion in the playing eleven for the league match against New Zealand marked a turning point. In his very first match of the tournament, Shami took five wickets.
Following this, Shami continued his wicket-taking form against England with four wickets, five against Sri Lanka, and two against South Africa. Although he did not find success in the last league match against the Netherlands, Shami compensated for it in the semi-final. In the crucial match against New Zealand, which was a ticket to the final, he took an impressive 7 wickets for just 57 runs.
Shami's performance in this World Cup has been nothing short of spectacular, making a significant impact in each game he has played. His contributions have been crucial in India's journey to the final, and his remarkable story from being on the sidelines to becoming the leading wicket-taker is a testament to his skill and determination.
Hardik Pandya injury
Team India players and its fans wore distressed looks on their faces after Hardik limped off the ground during the ODI World Cup match against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on October 19 (Thursday). The incident occurred in the 9th over of Bangladesh's innings, which was also Hardik's first over of his spell, when the Indian all-rounder tried to stop the ball with his foot and slipped. While attempting an awkward save, Hardik suffered a painful and scary injury to his left foot.
The Indian players rushed to Hardik, who was seen holding Virat Kohli's hands in order to stand upright. He was seen in visible pain and refrained from putting any weight on his left foot initially. The team physio ran onto the ground from the dressing and attended to Hardik. After a lengthy delay in which heavy strapping was done on Hardik's shin and ankle.
After getting treated on the left foot and ankle, Hardik tried a dummy run-up but looked in agonising pain before deciding to walk off the field in order to obtain further care for the injury. Hardik bowled just three balls and was hit for two consecutive boundaries before he returned to the dressing room.
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