Former India opener Gautam Gambhir hopes to see star pace Mohammed Shami rested before he returns for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with the management taking a chance on Arshdeep Singh for the final ODI of the ongoing series against Sri Lanka.
India were guided by KL Rahul's unbeaten 64 after the bowlers took the Sri Lankan batters to the cleaners with their exceptional bowling. But, Shami was the only bowler other than Hardik Pandya to finish the innings without a wicket, as the Sri Lankans were bundled out for 215 runs.
Speaking to host broadcaster Star Sports after the match, Gambhir said that Shami needs to be given a break after India took an unassailable 2-0 victory in the series. In his absence, Arshdeep should be given a chance to prove himself.
"I would like to see Arshdeep Singh come in for Mohammad Shami. Give Mohammad Shami a break because he will have to do a lot of bowling against Australia if Bumrah is not fit. And in the same time, you can groom Arshdeep in the ODI format as well," Gambhir said on host broadcaster Star Sports.
Shami has taken up the bowling mantle as the only other veteran pacer in the absence of the injured Jasprit Bumrah. And with Bumrah set to be on the sidelines for much of 2023's early cricket schedule, a lot of the pressure will fall on Shami. Gambhir believes that while rotating your batters might not be an option, the management should look at at least rotating the bowlers.
"I don't mind India rotating their fast bowlers, but you cannot give your batters a break, they got to keep playing consistently in the ODI format," the pundit said.
After comprehensive wins in the two ODIs that have been played till now, India will travel to Trivandrum to take on their neighbouring rivals in the final match of the series, with the hopes of completing a whitewash.
