Cricket News: Why do Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Shami need to be tested in the coming series?

Though the Asia Cup ended on a not-so-good note, the only good thing for India in the Asia Cup was Virat Kohli's much-awaited 71st century.While India had all their best batters in the squad, the pace attack looked shaky throughout the Asia Cup. The middle-order batters failed to accelerate, and bowlers were unable to defend. India struggled at one point only, in both the innings of Super 4 matches - Death Overs.

Apart from Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel, the two other names that everyone missed in those moments were Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Shami.

Shardul Thakur, who was part of the previous edition of the World Cup as a replacement for Axar Patel, was overlooked for the selection this time. The bowling all-rounder has played T20Is for India and is loved for his wicket-taking capabilities in tough times. Having played the last T20I against West Indies in February, he has been overlooked in the shortest format but found a place in ODIs and Test squad. There are plenty of better options suitable for the team in this format. 

Shardul Thakur has replaced Prasidh Krishna in India A squad for the ongoing three-match unofficial Test series against New Zealand A. In the match, he scored 26 off 57 and took one wicket giving an economy of 2.78.

While Shardul Thakur's absence didn't impact the team much, Mohammad Shami's inclusion in the reserves invited much criticism.

In the recently announced squad for the World Cup, while everyone expected Mohammed Shami to find a place in the 15-member team, the cricketing world was surprised by the decision to keep him in the reserves. 

Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin said, "Surprised at the omission of Shreyas Iyer and Md. Shami from the main squad."

He hasn't played any T20I game since the last World Cup edition. His performance and contribution in IPL for Gujarat Titans were notable. And despite knowing what he can offer on bouncy Australian pitches, he is kept in reserves. 

Though he is now included in the T20I squad against Australia and South Africa, many veteran cricketers believe he deserved to be cut into a 15-member team and even to the playing XI.  

Men in Blue also need to give a good game and chances to Mohammed Shami against Australia and South Africa as he has been out of this format for a long. Moreover, with the kind of injury shadowed in the Asia Cup, a strong backup in him will be best for team India.