Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes that Mohammed Shami's presence in the current Indian setup could have benefited youngsters like Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna. Shami hasn't featured in an international game since India defeated New Zealand to win the Champions Trophy earlier this year.
In the ongoing ODI series, India have a young pace attack, comprising Arshdeep, Harshit, and Prasidh. The three pacers had played a combined 37 ODIs heading into the assignment. With veterans like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj being rested in this series, Kaif feels that Shami would have been the ideal person to guide the young fast bowlers on how to bowl when under pressure.
In the first ODI, which was played at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi, the Indian batters fared brilliantly, with Virat Kohli starring with a 120-ball 135. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma also scored important half-centuries as India posted a mammoth 349/8 after being invited to bat first.
