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'If Anyone Deserves POTM, It's...' - Yuvraj Singh Backs This Indian Cricketer To Follow His Footsteps

image-lp5180wlMohammad Shami has taken 23 wickets in six matches (AP Photo)

Yuvraj Singh backed experienced pacer Mohammad Shami to replicate his memorable 2011 feat and become the 'Player of the Tournament' at the ICC World Cup 2023 on Sunday (November 19). The former middle-order giant lauded Shami's excellent run with the ball and encouraged him to produce one finale special for the country against Australia. 

Yuvraj recalled premier allrounder Hardik Pandya's injury as a "blessing in disguise" for Shami as the specialist seamer got the chance to make the first-choice playing outfit after missing initial games of the campaign. Ever since his comeback, the right-arm pacer has been in devastation mode for opposition line-ups and has taken a whopping 23 scalps in just six matches. 

For what its worth, Shami has perhaps made the biggest impact on Team India's fortunes in a impeccable winning streak that has stretched up to ten consecutive victories, including a comprehensive triumph over New Zealand in the semifinal played in Mumbai. 


Yuvraj Backs Shami For 'Player Of The Tournament' Tag 

The skiddy quick has taken three five-wicket hauls in the tournament with best figures of 7 for 57 during the Wankhede knock-out encounter against the BlackCaps. 

Yuvraj feels Shami would be primed for the 'Player of the Tournament' honour if India achieve the ultimate glory for only the third time in cricket history. 

"India always had match-winners on the bench. I won't say Hardik's injury was a blessing in disguise, but everyone was waiting to see how Shami would perform, and the way he has set the stage on fire has been outstanding. I feel if anyone deserves the Player of the Tournament award, it's Mohammed Shami," Yuvraj told Sports Tak in the build-up to the much-anticipated final in Ahmedabad. 

Always an integral part of India's set-up, Shami has turned the beast mode on and raised his match-winning standards at the ongoing World Cup. The veteran pacer would be determined for that one last spell of the tournament that help the nation celebrate a World Cup victory after 12 years.