‘Going to miss you’: Ex-cricketer claims Shami's absence as a big setback for IND in SA Test series

Indian Cricket team made it official on Saturday that the veteran seamer, Mohammed Shami, has been ruled out for the 2 match Test series against South Africa. The series will start on December 26, 2023, after the 3-match ODI series ends, which starts today. Because of an injury, the World Cup hero is unable to participate in the Test series against South Africa.

3 things you need to know

• India vs South Africa 1st ODI will be played today 
• India vs South Africa Test series starts on December 26, 2023 
• Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of the Test series against South Africa due to injury 

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Aakash Chopra believes that Shami’s absence is a big setback for India 

According to Aakash Chopra, Mohammed Shami's injury is a major blow for India in the Test series against South Africa. With the first Test match against the Proteas starting in Centurion on December 26, Rohit Sharma and his side will be in action. Shami has now been ruled out of the series after being previously included in the Indian team, subject to fitness.

In a video that he uploaded to his YouTube channel, Chopra discussed this situation and emphasised how much of a blow Shami's absence is to the visiting squad. At the one-minute mark in the video, he went into further detail on this topic. Aakash Chopra said: 

“Mohammed Shami is an amazing player. You are filled with pride with the kind of World Cup he had. He won't be there. He has an injured ankle. In my opinion, it's a big problem because when you think about Mohammed Shami, you see wickets with the new and old balls.”

“You have seen his magic in ODIs but Test brings the best out of him. His Test numbers in South Africa are also thumbs-up with both hands. So we are going to miss you, Mohammed Shami. Who will come in his place will be a big question.”

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Chopra emphasised that Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, and a lone spinner could constitute a potent four-pronged seam assault for India. He did, however, accept the team's predicament and advised that Prasidh Krishna and Mukesh Kumar should be carefully considered for the role of third specialist seamer. Chopra further underlined that the person assuming this position will be taking on major duties and has high expectations to meet.