- By Manik Sharma
- Fri, 03 Nov 2023 08:49 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Mohammed Shami's scintillating form in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup continued as he clinched his second five-wicket haul in just three games, helping India secure their seventh win on the trot. Additionally, Shami also became India's leading wicket-taker with a total of 45 wickets in just14 games, surpassing Zaheer Khan's tally of 44.
Shami orchestrated a brilliant bowling masterclass, bagging a second five-wicket haul that witnessed Sri Lanka crumbling for a mere 55 runs. Notably, Shami was sidelined for the first four games of India's campaign. However, since his inclusion in the playing XI against New Zealand, he has been unstoppable, amassing an impressive tally of 14 wickets in just three matches. He is currently placed sixth in the list of highest wicket-takers with a stunning average of 6.71.
In a particularly memorable moment, Shami celebrated his latest five-wicket haul with a unique gesture. Initially, fans speculated that it was a nod to former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh. But India's star batting opener, Shubman Gill, revealed the real story behind the celebration.
Gill disclosed that the gesture was a light-hearted jab at Indian bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, who is bald.
"That (Shami’s gesture) was for our bowling coach because he doesn't have any hair on his head," Gill humorously remarked in a post-match interview with Star Sports.
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Shami stands as the only Indian bowler with multiple five-wicket hauls in the marquee competition. Shami boasts three five-wicket hauls, with one each against England in the 2019 World Cup, and one against New Zealand and Sri Lanka in the 2023 edition.
Reflecting on Shami's performance, the bowling coach had highlighted the quality and experience that the likes of Shami bring to the team after India's win against England.
"When you have such kind of skills-set in the team, what Shami and others bring, you really don't need to have a discussion over it. These guys have played enough cricket and understand what is needed by the team," PTI quoted Mhambrey as saying.
"I wish I could say this that we had a team discussion and planned for this. The quality of the bowlers we have in the team, the experience they bring to the table, it makes my job easier,"he added.
In the 2015 World Cup, Shami claimed 17 wickets in nine games. His impressive showing continued in the 2019 edition, where he picked up 14 wickets in just four matches. Now, in the 2023 World Cup, he has replicated his dominance with 14 wickets in just three games.
