Indian fast bowler Mohammed Shami acknowledged the significant responsibility he carries as India’s primary pace bowler upon his return from a long injury. He mentioned he is focused on regaining his bowling rhythm to best support the team in the ongoing Champions Trophy.
In this tournament, Shami has frequently opened the bowling with either Harshit Rana or Hardik Pandya, due to Jasprit Bumrah’s absence from injury. Shami noted that while Rana is still developing and Pandya is primarily an all-rounder not typically expected to bowl ten overs in ODIs, he is adapting to lead the pace attack. So far, Shami has taken eight wickets in the competition.
“I am working on finding my rhythm and increasing my contribution to the team. It’s a big responsibility when you are the main frontline fast bowler, and I have to take on more responsibility,” Shami stated after India’s semifinal victory against Australia.
Shami admitted that his workload is increased with Bumrah not playing, but he is committed to giving his utmost. He explained, “There is added pressure when you are the lead fast bowler and the other is an all-rounder. You are expected to take wickets and set an example from the front.”
“I’ve become accustomed to this pressure and am trying my best to make things easier for the team and give more than 100 percent,” he added.
Shami was out of action for over a year due to an ankle injury sustained during the 2023 ODI World Cup. He stated he is now prepared to handle the demands of bowling extended spells. “The question of trust disappears once you are selected for the team. I believe one shouldn’t overthink fitness. We just need to put in the effort and see how our bodies respond. After all, we are labourers,” Shami remarked.
“I am now ready for long spells. Short spells are easier – whether it’s 6 or 12 balls, it doesn’t make much difference in limited overs cricket if it’s 10 or six overs,” he commented.
Shami has bowled his full ten overs in matches against Bangladesh and Australia. In earlier games against Pakistan and New Zealand, he bowled fewer overs, mainly because spinners bowled a significant number of overs in those matches.
Shami mentioned that playing all of India’s Champions Trophy matches in Dubai is beneficial for him. “It definitely helps us because we are familiar with the conditions and the pitch behavior. It’s an advantage to play all matches at the same venue. The key is to assess the conditions and understand the pitch as you can learn it well playing at one ground,” he said.
India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir praised Shami’s comeback and performance. “He’s brilliant, a world-class performer, phenomenal. His dedication, training, practice, and amount of bowling in practice sessions are exceptional. He prepares very well, which is why he delivers results,” Gambhir said.
Gambhir highlighted Shami’s versatility, making him effective across different cricket formats. “He’s a phenomenal bowler in both red ball and 50-over cricket. He has proven this by making a comeback after one and a half years, even in challenging conditions for a fast bowler.”
“Despite this, he has bowled tough overs. I am confident he will continue to perform at this level for Indian cricket for a long time,” Gambhir concluded.
