2013 in review: New kids on the block

2. Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami

Tests – 3, Wickets – 16, Bowling average – 21.06, Economy rate – 3.54, Best bowling – 5/47ODIs – 20, Wickets – 30, Bowling average – 30.06, Economy rate – 5.39, Best bowling – 3/42

In an attack that has looked toothless from every possible angle, Mohammad Shami has been India’s lone shining bowling star. The benefits of bowling an immaculate line and length were evident immediately, with him becoming the first ever Indian to bowl four maidens on debut. While the rest of the Indian bowlers spent their time donating runs to the opposition, Shami relied on his accuracy to restrict the batsmen.

Over the year, Mohammed Shami quickly established himself as the heart and soul of the Indian ODI attack – and in Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, he found an able partner with whom he could share the new ball. When he was finally given his opportunity in Test cricket, he ran through West Indies on a dead pitch with a good thirty thousand Kolkatans chanting his name in the Eden Gardens.

Mohammed Shami has made it this far – it’s been a heartwarming story of faith reaffirmed. However, the last thing Indian cricket needs is for yet another promising youngster to vanish in the intricate, unforgiving wilderness of international cricket. A priceless gem has been unearthed, and the onus now lies on the BCCI – Shami must be protected.