Shami will probably play for India against Bangladesh in the starting XI.

Given that the pacer made the Indian team’s final 12-man roster, Mohammed Shami’s chances of playing in the match against Bangladesh appear good. After captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid evaluate the pitch at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium close to Pune, the starting XI will be decided.

Shami, the World Cup player with the most wickets among the current group, has dominated discussion in the run-up to the game. He has taken part in two World Cups—in Australia and England—but hasn’t yet appeared at this year’s Championship.

The main discussion leading up to the game is whether Shami should take the place of the all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who appears to be chosen over the specialist pacer due to his batting skills. Shami might be considered for the starting XI, though, given how well the Indian batting has performed during the World Cup.

Shami and Anil Kumble both have 31 World Cup wickets between them. He now ranks behind Zaheer Khan and Javagal Srinath, who both have 44 wickets. The other notable wicket-takers for India are Kapil Dev (age 28) and Jasprit Bumrah (age 26).

“See, honestly, it is never an easy decision. But I think the conversations are around, we had a clear chat with him. Whenever we select a squad, the message from us is very clear. That we pick a squad we feel is the best for that wicket. And I think sometimes you will miss out. Someone like him is missing out, someone like Ash will miss out,” Paras Mhambrey, the India bowling coach, had stated morning of the match.

“And I think that’s the communication that we have with him, we are very clear. Difficult decision, honestly, even with the quality that he brings to the team, new ball, death, it is difficult to take that decision. But you have to make that decision, you only have eleven on the field,” Mhambrey had stated regarding the challenge of taking the veteran pacers on the bench.