“Lala, we need you” - Ravi Shastri reacts to Mohammed Shami's latest post ahead of 2024-25 BGT
Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri left a comment on Indian pacer Mohammed Shami’s latest social media post on Friday, November 15. Shami returned to competitive cricket after almost a year in the ongoing Round 5 fixture for Bengal in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy against Madhya Pradesh.
The 34-year-old marked a memorable comeback, claiming four wickets to help Bengal secure a 61-run first-innings lead. The pacer later took to Instagram to share a message with his fans, writing:
“Finally, the wait is over! After 360 days, I’m back on field, stronger, and hungrier. 4 wickets for Bengal in Ranji Trophy and this is just the start. Every delivery, every wicket is dedicated to You, my incredible fans. Your love fuels my passion! Let’s make this season unforgettable!”
Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri left a comment on the post:
“Lala, we need you.”
Shastri stressed the importance of Mohammed Shami for India's upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting November 22 in Perth. While Shami hasn't been selected yet, his return to form could earn him a spot in the squad for the latter part of the series. The right-arm pacer has featured in 64 Tests for India, taking 229 wickets, including six five-wicket hauls.
Ravi Shastri picks his playing XI for the first BGT Test 2024-25
Former Indian player and current broadcaster Ravi Shastri predicted India's playing XI for the first Border-Gavaskar Test. With uncertainties surrounding Rohit Sharma's availability, he paired Shubman Gill with Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top and placed KL Rahul at No. 3.
"That's a tough one and selectors have a choice. You can push Shubman (Gill) back up the order and he has opened in the past in Australia. Otherwise, you'll have to then make an alternative. Easwaran hasn't done that well (for India A in Australia). But it's how he's batting in the nets, how Rahul is batting in the nets. But that Shubman Gill option is also there," he said on the latest edition of the ICC Review.
Shastri suggested that India should opt for just one spinner, either Ravindra Jadeja or Washington Sundar, and included Nitish Kumar Reddy as the fourth seamer in his playing XI, alongside Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj
Ravi Shastri's predicted XI for the first Test: Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja/Washington Sundar, Nitish Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj.