Cricket News: Is Harshal Patel, instead of Mohammed Shami, justified? 

Jasprit Bumrah is an indispensable part and was bound to be included after looking at the Indian pace-attack being vulnerable in the Asia Cup, especially in death overs. But many former Indian cricketers believe that Harshal Patel could have been avoided, and instead, Mohammed Shami should have been given preference in the squad. 

"If I was the chairman of the selection committee, Shami is definitely in the team. We are playing in Australia. The guy's got the real action, the guy's got bounce, he can bare the moment, and he can get on early wickets. So, I would have probably got Shami instead of Harshal Patel," said Kris Srikkanth.

It is because he holds top-class bowling experience on Australian pitches and can also decently fit in the T20 format. The pacer would have been an ideal pick for the bouncy pitches of Australia.  

Kris Srikkanth explained, "Shami can get a bounce in Australia, he has a high-arm action. He can get the ball going away from the left-hander, going into the right-hander. In the first 3 overs, he can get 2-3 wickets."

He added, "Yes, Harshal Patel is a good bowler, no doubt, but Mohammad Shami is the right guy. I mean, they can say not the scheme of things, he's only for Test cricket or one day cricket, but we are playing in Australia. That guy has done well last IPL, so Shami is the must in my team."

Even former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin supported Mohammed Shami's inclusion by saying, "Surprised at the omission of Shreyas Iyer and Md. Shami from the main squad. Shreyas Iyer instead of Deepak Hooda and Md. Shami in the place of Harshal Patel would be my choice."

Mohammed Shami has been a central part of team India in ODI and Test teams, but selectors seem keen to give youngsters more opportunities in the shortest format. 

However, if we compare both the bowlers' performance in the T20I format, Harshal Patel and Mohammed Shami have played 17 matches so far, in which Harshal Patel has a little edge in terms of numbers. Harshal Patel has 23 wickets giving an economy of 8.58 and a strike rate of 14.6, whereas Mohammed Shami has taken 18 wickets giving an economy of 9.54 and a strike rate of 19.8. 

So, though Mohammed Shami looks advantageous on Australian soil, Harshal Patel's numbers look slightly better in this game format.