CWC 2019: 3 things India need to try in the warm-up fixtures

#2 Decide on the second seamer

Bhuvneshwar and Shami both have similar numbers since October 2018

Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have shared the burden of opening the bowling as well as bowling at the death for a couple of years now. The two looked primed to do the job for India in the World Cup as well. However, recurring injuries to both of them forced the management to zone in on a reliable third seamer.

After trying out a number of pacers, the selectors decided to go in with the experienced Mohammed Shami.

Shami, having played just four games between the 2015 World Cup and October 2018, grabbed the opportunity with both hands. His Man of the Series-winning performances in New Zealand have only made his case stronger. His death bowling has also improved drastically as evident from the recently concluded IPL.

Both Shami and Bhuvi have similar numbers since October 2018. While Bhuvi adds an extra dimension with his batting capabilities at number eight, Shami has the ability to pick wickets in any conditions at any stage of the game.

Despite both of them being world-class bowlers, only one can feature regularly for the side in the World Cup. The warm-up games will be the best opportunity for Kohli to decide who he wants partnering Bumrah in the World Cup.