Tabraiz Shamsi. Robin Uthappa and Keshav Maharaj | Source: X.com
Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has suggested that Team India can target South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi in the upcoming final match of the T20 World Cup 2024 at Kensington Oval, Barbados.
Both South Africa and India are heading into this game undefeated. While India’s spin attack has been brutal, South Africa has been equally impressive, with Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi excelling in spin bowling.
However, South Africa has adopted a cautious approach with Shamsi, selecting him only on spinner-friendly tracks. Given Barbados’ reputation as a batting-friendly wicket with minimal assistance for spinners, there’s a strong possibility that South Africa might drop Shamsi and go for an extra fast bowler.
Ottneil Baartman could be the additional fast bowler in South Africa’s lineup. Uthappa believes that if Baartman fails to make it to the XI and South Africa fields Shamsi, Team India will have a golden opportunity to exploit his bowling.
Here’s what Uthappa said:
“As far as I am concerned, if Shamsi is playing, I will be damn happy, especially in Barbados. And if Baartman is playing, I will be like, we have to be a little wary. Who would I prefer between these two? Definitely Shamsi. I know that he will give runs. Even if he takes a wicket, I don’t care. If he concedes 40-50 runs, I am satisfied. Because in India’s current batting approach, even if he takes a wicket, it’s not a big deal,” Uthappa said in Ravichandran Ashwin’s recent YouTube video ‘Judgement Day’.
Meanwhile, Indian senior spinner Ravichandran Ashwin agreed with Uthappa’s comments, adding that Indian players love to sweep and would enjoy playing against Shamsi. However, he believes that Baartman would replace the spinner in the playing XI.
