Former Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun has asserted that the discarded Indian pacer Mohammed Shami shouldn’t do anything more to prove his credentials. Notably, his comments came right after Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s national comeback for the upcoming New Zealand tour.
In an exclusive interaction with India Today on Sony Sports Network, Arun backed Shami’s credentials and stated that the veteran pacer has proved enough across all formats with his performances.
“Well, to answer what Shami should be doing, I don’t think Shami needs to prove himself. You either pick him on form or you don’t. That’s, that’s going to be the case of Mohammed Shami. Shami does not need to prove what he can do to be picked into the Indian team. He’s proved enough across all formats,” said Arun to India Today’s query.
Further, the former bowling coach shared his views on Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s comeback, stating that it would be crucial for the pacer to maintain his fitness over an extended period to see if he can remain in contention for the mega event next year.
“As far as Bhuvneshwar Kumar goes, I wouldn’t be thinking too far ahead. Yes, he’s been picked on form. He’s a fantastic bowler, as everybody knows. Everyone knows what he’s capable of. And it’s how he fares right now that’s really going to matter,” he noted.
“To me, it is how fit he’s going to be to play continuously over the next one and a half years to be eligible for the World Cup. But right now, I would look at only things under my nose. New Zealand Tour is the biggest test, and I’d look at it, and before I decide on what we’re going to do with the rest,” Arun concluded.
