India scripted an iconic win against New Zealand in the World Cup 2023, making it five out of five as they sit comfortably at the top of the points table. Knowing the batting flair of the Kiwis, Team India had to put up a strong bowling display to restrict them to something well within reach.

With Hardik Pandya out due to injury, India opted to go for a specialist fast bowler in Mohammed Shami and the ace Indian quick delivered the results on his very return. Clinching a fifer, Shami paved the path for Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj to get on with their work while India had an assurance of the fact that irrespective of the surface, they will have ample back-up in terms of bowling strengths.

Former Indian cricketer, Suresh Raina, had an interesting remark about the new Indian bowling unit as he heaped praises on the new-forged attack that didn’t feature Shardul Thakur and Hardik Pandya.

Talking to Aajtak, Raina said, “Shami, (Mohammed) Siraj, (Jasprit) Bumrah Jadeja, Kuldeep, Hardik - this I feel is the best combination for this World Cup.” 

Raina further said, “Now that Shami has taken this five-wicket haul, Rohit has more options with three attacking bowlers who can operate in the death overs as well. It is some relief for Hardik as well because when these three bowl, the pressure will be waived off a bit. He can create pressure in his own way.”

Quickly shifting his focus to the Indian spinning duo, Raina said, “Kuldeep and Jadeja also did well. The over that Kuldeep bowled in which he got Tom Latham out at a crucial time was brilliant and he got Glenn Phillips as well. Otherwise they were looking good for getting a score of around 290 or 310. Rohit is using his bowlers in an astute way. Shami was very impressive. He took five wickets and whenever those stump lights go up, it feels really good.”