Mohammed Shami: India gamble with pacer for ICC World Twenty20 given lack of playing time

New Delhi: India have selected Mohammed Shami in the 15-man squad for the upcoming Asia Cup and the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 as the team hopes their premier bowler will be in the race to get complete match fitness ahead of these crucial tournaments.

Mohammed Shami last featured for India in the 2015 ICC World Cup in Australia and since then he underwent a knee surgery which sidelined him for more than eight months.

Shami made his way back into the team for the crucial ODI and T20 series against Australia last month but a hamstring injury forced out of action.

Shami's impact on Australian pitches was missed dearly in the ODIs and the bowler who is recuperating from the injury.

The Bengal pacer's lack of playing time serves as a major concern ahead of such coveted tourneys. The major question lies here is whether the Indian selectors have done the right thing by selecting Shami?

Shami has definitely been India's most consistent bowler but will the bowler be at his complete best and bowl with pace?

India need a complete fit Shami for both the tourneys and it will be interesting to see how he fits in the frame. Shami's ability will be tested in the Asia Cup where his performances would show what he will offer in the mega event in March.

India have taken a gamble here and will hope it pays off with Shami.

Jasprit Bumrah and Ashish Nehra are the other two pacers in the squad and Hardik Pandya is an all-rounder who bowls quick.

India dropped Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneswar Kumar, Rishi Dhawan and Ishant Sharma. The onus therefore lies with Shami to spearhead the bowling but whether the pacer will be at his best, will be interesting to watch.

Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni who has been an admirer of Shami and lauded him for his consistency, would hope the bowler has an impact.