New Delhi: Mohammed Shami may be struggling with form and rhythm but India's 1983 World Cup-winning squad member Sunil Valson feels that the West Bengal medium-pacer will be the team's 'go to' man in the upcoming cricket World Cup.
Former left-arm pacer Valson, who failed to get a game in the 1983 edition but did play in a couple of warm-up matches, said that Shami should step up and lead the way for fellow pacers in Australia and New Zealand.
"He (Shami) has performed well in the one-dayers in India. There are issues about the line but it all boils down to how early you pick up the wickets and put the opposition under pressure. So he is certainly going to be on your main strike bowler. He has to take charge and he is one of the senior-most now," Valson, who picked up 212 wickets in 75 first class games for Delhi and Railways between 1977-88, told PTI in an interview.
Failing to get a game in the presence of bowling stars like Kapil Dev, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, Madan Lal, Roger Binny and Mohinder Amarnath, Valson argues that the 83' edition was not about bits and pieces players but more about performers.
"I wouldn't say bits and pieces, I would say they were more of performers. Yes, I mean all-rounders are always game changers as they not only provide depth in your batting but also gives options in your bowling. It brought out the classic five bowlers, six batsman combination," said Valson.
India may have faltered on their Australian tour so far, but Valson gives the Men in Blue the benefit of doubt and believes that a turnaround is always possible in ODI cricket.
"See it happens with the best of teams. Playing abroad is always a challenge. You have lot many new players, who are cementing their positions, so that's bound to happen with any team, the transition. And how fast they settle in that's what really matters.
