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Former legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram feels Team India can afford to play the same XI as New Zealand match in their next 2023 World Cup game against England in Lucknow on October 29.
Mohammed Shami came into the side against the Kiwis and made a mark immediately, winning the Player of the Match award for his sensational figures of 5/54. Akram feels that the Men in Blue shouldn't rush the injured Hardik Pandya back as they did well even without his services.
Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda alongside former Indian cricketer S Sreesanth, here's what Wasim Akram had to say about India's combination:
"This squad looks good even without Pandya. If he is fit then well and good. It will be difficult to drop Shami now. I feel India shouldn't risk Pandya (against England) because if it's an injury to a hamstring or quad, then although you feel good initially, you could pull a muscle in the match. So let him recover 100 percent and then you can play him."
He further added:
"Credit to the team management that whenever any player in the squad comes into the XI, he seems ready. When Shami's ball hits the seam, it can deviate either way. That's why I think Shami for me was the player of the match."
S Sreesanth also praised Mohammed Shami's performance for India
Sreesanth explained how tough it is for any new-ball bowler to adapt to bowling with a relatively older ball. He was impressed with how Mohammed Shami adjusted to the requirements of the team and was still able to produce his best.
On this, Sreesanth stated:
"It is not easy to come into the World Cup and hit the ground running straightaway. He (Shami) is a new ball bowler and sometimes while bowling first-change, you can get emotional and think 'why didn't i get the new ball?' But he has the experience and he made the most of the opportunity that he got to win the game for his country."
Shami's performances have unlocked another combination that the Men in Blue can think about going into the business end of the tournament.
