Bhuvneshwar Kumar might have impressed with the ball in the only opportunity he got in the Asia Cup, but as far as MS Dhoni is concerned, Mohammad Shami remains the man in vogue for the ICC World T20 2016.
Shami has not played any international cricket since the ICC 50-over World Cup last year, but despite the lack of game time, the fast bowler was picked in the 15-man squad for the World T20.
The fast bowler's initial comeback plans were scuppered when he suffered a hamstring pull in training just prior to the Australia series, with Shami then not recovering in time to take part in the Asia Cup.
Bhuvneshwar was named as the replacement for the Asia Cup T20, and impressed in the one match he played, against the UAE, swinging the ball both ways, while hitting decent speeds as well.
It makes sense not to risk a player who hasn't played a single game in nearly a year for such a big tournament, but Dhoni believes Shami is the right man for the India team, as long as he can prove his fitness.
"Whether Shami is fit or not, we'll see," Dhoni was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo after India's eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the Asia Cup final. "He still has a bit of time.
"The only reason he was picked was because, he is someone who can deliver with the old and new ball, yorkers being his strength."
While Shami has been nursing his injuries, India have found another bowler who can bowl those yorkers consistently in Jasprit Bumrah, and Dhoni believes even if Shami makes it to the World T20 squad, after proving his fitness, getting into the playing XI will not be easy.
Bumrah seems to have locked his place in the bowling lineup and with Ashish Nehra crucial to India's fortunes with the new ball, Shami might be warming the bench for the first couple of matches, at least.
"I think it's very difficult to replace Bumrah," Dhoni added. "He has the strength of bowling yorkers at will, and with the new ball also he has contributed.
"Nehra has also contributed. Few games ups and downs happen in T20. Hardik Pandya, he's a fast-bowling all-rounder. If Jadeja or him can bat at No. 8 and they can give me three or four overs, then it looks like a better-balanced side.
"For Shami to replace (someone in the playing XI), it would be Ashish. Ashish is the only slot, but to replace Ashish would be very tough. The reason being he has done very well for us, he has moved the ball around.
"But, Shami will have to prove his fitness in the warm-up games. If he does, he will stay ahead with the team."
