Mohammed Shami vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Who Has Better Stats In ODIs?

In the realm of One Day International (ODI) cricket, few debates are as intriguing as the comparison between two of India’s most prolific fast bowlers: Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Both have been instrumental in India’s success in the 50-over format, but their styles, strengths, and statistics tell different stories. This article delves deep into their ODI records, analyzing various aspects of their performances to determine who holds the statistical edge.

Career Overview

Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami has been a force to reckon with in ODI cricket. With 101 matches under his belt, Shami has bowled 9854 balls, conceding 4618 runs and claiming an impressive 195 wickets. His best bowling figures in an innings stand at a remarkable 7/57, which is also his best match figures.

On the other hand, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has played 121 ODIs, bowling 5847 balls and conceding 4951 runs. He has taken 141 wickets in his career, with best bowling figures of 5/42 in an innings, which also stands as his best match performance.

Wicket-Taking Ability

One of the most crucial aspects of a bowler’s performance is their ability to take wickets. In this department, Mohammed Shami clearly has the upper hand. With 195 wickets in 101 matches, Shami averages nearly two wickets per game. His strike rate of 25.5 is particularly impressive, indicating that he takes a wicket approximately every 25 balls.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, while also a prolific wicket-taker, falls slightly behind in this aspect. With 141 wickets in 121 matches, his wicket-taking rate is lower than Shami’s. Kumar’s strike rate of 41.4 shows that he takes longer to claim a wicket, averaging about one wicket every 41 balls.

Bowling Average

The bowling average is a key indicator of a bowler’s effectiveness, representing the number of runs conceded per wicket taken. Here, Mohammed Shami again has a significant advantage. Shami’s bowling average of 23.68 is exceptional in ODI cricket, where scores tend to be higher. This statistic indicates that Shami concedes fewer runs for each wicket he takes.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s bowling average of 35.11, while respectable, is considerably higher than Shami’s. This suggests that Kumar tends to concede more runs for each wicket he claims, making him slightly less economical in terms of wicket-taking.

Economy Rate

When it comes to controlling the flow of runs, both bowlers show their class, but with a slight edge to Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Kumar’s economy rate of 5.08 is excellent in ODI cricket, demonstrating his ability to keep batsmen in check and maintain pressure throughout his spells.

Mohammed Shami’s economy rate of 5.55, while slightly higher than Kumar’s, is still impressive. It shows that while Shami might concede slightly more runs, his higher wicket-taking ability compensates for this.

Best Bowling Performances

In terms of their best bowling performances, Mohammed Shami has the more eye-catching figures. His best bowling in an innings of 7/57 is a remarkable achievement in ODI cricket. Taking seven wickets in a single innings is a rare feat and highlights Shami’s ability to run through batting lineups.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s best figures of 5/42, while excellent, don’t quite match up to Shami’s seven-wicket haul. However, it’s worth noting that five-wicket hauls in ODIs are significant achievements in their own right, and Kumar’s ability to do so demonstrates his skill as a bowler.

Consistency and Frequency of Standout Performances

Both bowlers have shown the ability to produce match-winning performances consistently. Mohammed Shami has ten four-wicket hauls and five five-wicket hauls in his ODI career. This frequency of taking four or more wickets in an innings is impressive and shows his ability to make significant impacts in matches regularly.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, while having fewer standout performances in terms of wickets, has still managed four four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul. While these numbers are lower than Shami’s, they still indicate Kumar’s ability to produce game-changing spells.

Bowling Styles and Their Impact

While statistics provide a quantitative measure of performance, it’s also important to consider the bowling styles of these two players and how they impact their statistics.

Mohammed Shami is known for his ability to generate pace and movement, both in the air and off the pitch. His slightly higher economy rate but lower average and strike rate suggest a bowler who might concede a few more runs but is consistently threatening to take wickets. This style makes him particularly effective in taking wickets in the middle overs and at the death of an innings.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, on the other hand, is renowned for his ability to swing the ball, especially with the new ball. His lower economy rate but higher average and strike rate paint the picture of a bowler who excels at controlling the run rate but might not be as prolific in taking wickets. Kumar’s style makes him particularly effective in the powerplay overs, where his ability to move the ball can trouble top-order batsmen.

Longevity and Consistency

Another factor to consider is the longevity and consistency of these bowlers. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has played 20 more ODIs than Mohammed Shami, indicating a slightly longer career in this format. However, Shami’s higher wicket tally despite fewer matches suggests a more impactful presence when he plays.

Kumar’s consistency in maintaining a low economy rate over a longer period is commendable. It shows his ability to adapt to different conditions and maintain his effectiveness over time. Shami, while having played fewer matches, has shown remarkable consistency in taking wickets, which is often considered the primary job of a fast bowler.

Impact in Different Phases of the Game

While the overall statistics give us a broad picture, it’s also worth considering how these bowlers perform in different phases of an ODI innings. Unfortunately, the provided statistics don’t break down their performances by game phase, but based on their known strengths, we can make some inferences.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s skill with the new ball likely makes him more effective in the early overs of an innings. His ability to swing the ball and maintain a low economy rate suggests he’s particularly valuable in the powerplay overs when field restrictions are in place.

Mohammed Shami, with his pace and ability to reverse swing the old ball, is likely more effective in the middle and death overs. His higher wicket-taking ability suggests he’s the bowler captains might turn to when a breakthrough is needed or to clean up the tail at the end of an innings.

In Summary

while both Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are world-class bowlers with impressive ODI records, the statistics suggest that Shami has a slight edge in overall performance. His superior wicket-taking ability, lower average, and better strike rate indicate a bowler who has been more effective in the primary role of a fast bowler – taking wickets.

However, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s better economy rate and longer career demonstrate his value as a consistent performer who can control the flow of runs effectively. His ability to swing the new ball adds a different dimension to India’s bowling attack.

Looking Ahead

Ultimately, both bowlers bring unique strengths to the team. Shami’s aggressive wicket-taking approach complements Kumar’s more controlled, economical style. The choice between them often depends on match conditions, opposition, and team strategy.

In the ever-evolving game of cricket, having bowlers of such caliber with different strengths is a luxury for any team. While statistics can provide insights, the true value of these bowlers extends beyond numbers, encompassing their ability to perform under pressure, adapt to different conditions, and contribute to the team’s success in various ways.