Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa reckons Rohit Sharma’s team will benefit if Aiden Markram includes left-arm chinaman bowler Tabraiz Shamsi in their playng XI for T20 World Cup 2024 final. Uthappa said that even if Shamsi takes a wicket or two, he will leak runs at Kensington Oval, Barbados which will work in India’s favour.
"As far as I am concerned, if Shamsi is playing, I will be damn happy, especially in Barbados. And if Baartman is playing, I will be like, we have to be a little wary. Who would I prefer between these two? Definitely, Shamsi. I know that he will give runs. Even if he takes a wicket, I don't care. If he takes 40-45-50 runs, I am done. Because in India's current batting approach, even if he takes a wicket, it's not a big deal," Uthappa said on Ravichandran Ashwin's recently posted Youtube video 'Judgement Day'.
Shamsi bowled well taking three wickets for just six runs against Afghanistan in the semifinal. The 34-year-old has taken 11 wickets from just four games at an average of 9.27. However, he was expensive against co-hosts USA conceding 50 runs from his quota of four overs.
ALSO READ: World Record Alert: Harmanpreet Kaur's India register highest score in women's Test cricket history
Ashwin prefers Baartman over Shamsi too
Considering skipper Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav's form of late against the spinners, even Ashwin feels that Ottneil Baartman should play ahead of Shamsi. Baartman has taken six wickets from five games. His last appearance in T20 World Cup 2024 was against England when he conceded 27 runs from three overs and bagged a wicket.
"Shamsi is one bowler who will go for sweeps. And India has been sweeping. Adil Rashid, (Liam) Livingstone was slightly quicker through the area. They were able to get 39 runs along with Jordan and Sam Curran. I see this as a very important match-up. And hence, I believe South Africa should seriously consider playing (Ottniel) Baartman ahead of Shamsi for the final," Ashwin added.
Shamsi's record against India
The leggie hasn't had a good record against India in T20Is. He has seven wickets from 12 games at an average of 45.57. His economy rate against the 'Men in Blue' is 8.46 runs per over.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
