Top 5 Indian ODI bowlers of the decade

#2 Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami

Matches - 70, Wickets - 131, Average - 24.71, Economy Rate - 5.47, Best Figures - 5/69

So sensational has Mohammed Shami been in the Test format over the last couple of seasons, his ability as an ODI strike bowler has been somewhat undermined. The fast bowler from Bengal has played a leading role in India’s last two World Cup campaigns, as India made it to the semifinals on both occasions. In the 2015 edition played in Australia and New Zealand, he was the fourth highest wicket-taker, with 17 wickets in seven matches at an average of 17.29 and a strike rate of 21.5.

Four years later, Shami played the World Cup in England under the cloud of some controversy. The experienced fast bowler sat out of India’s first few games, but a freak injury to Bhuvneshwar Kumar brought him into the reckoning, and Shami responded with a hat-trick against Afghanistan that saved India from embarrassment. He claimed 14 wickets in four games at an average of 13.78 and a strike rate of 15.07.

Of all the Indian bowlers with 100-plus wickets in the decade, Shami has the best strike rate of 27, which speaks volumes of his ability, and more than makes up for his slightly higher economy of 5.47.