Mohammed Shami expressed the challenges of being India’s primary pacer after returning from a long injury layoff, especially without the injured Jasprit Bumrah. Despite the added responsibility, he aims to regain his “rhythm” and has taken on the role of leading the bowling attack, recording eight wickets in the Champions Trophy so far. Shami noted the strain of carrying the workload alone, emphasizing his commitment to give more than 100 percent. Coach Gautam Gambhir praised Shami’s determination and skills, highlighting his impressive return and versatility as critical to India’s performance in the tournament.
Mohammed Shami acknowledged that taking on the role of India’s premier pacer after an extended injury hiatus has been a significant “responsibility,” but he is focused on regaining his “rhythm” to fulfill the team’s expectations during the ongoing Champions Trophy. Throughout the ICC tournament held here, Shami has been sharing the new ball responsibilities with either Harshit Rana or Hardik Pandya, due to Jasprit Bumrah’s injury-related absence. While Rana is still acclimatizing to international cricket, Pandya, being an all-rounder, is not ideally suited to deliver 10 overs in an ODI. So far, Shami has claimed eight wickets in the tournament.
“I am working on getting my rhythm back and aiming to contribute more to the team. It becomes a responsibility when you are the sole fast bowler and I have to shoulder extra weight,” Shami commented during a mixed zone interaction following India’s semifinal win against Australia on Tuesday night.
Shami noted that his workload increases without Bumrah charging in from the other end, but he is committed to giving more than a hundred percent to his role.
“There is pressure when you are the only main fast bowler and the other is an all-rounder. I have to take wickets and lead effectively.
“I have adapted to this pressure and am striving to alleviate it for my teammates while giving everything I have,” he stated.
After being sidelined for over a year due to an ankle injury sustained during the 2023 ODI World Cup, Shami expressed that he is ready to take on the responsibility of bowling long spells.
“The trust conversation concludes once you are selected in the team. I believe it’s unnecessary to overly concern oneself with fitness. What is important is to put in the effort and assess how your body responds. After all, we are all workers.
“I am now prepared to bowl extended spells. Short spells are quite manageable—whether it’s six balls or twelve—and in limited-overs cricket, it doesn’t matter if it’s ten or six overs,” he pointed out.
The 34-year-old has bowled his full quota of 10 overs in matches against Bangladesh and Australia, while he bowled just eight and four overs against Pakistan and New Zealand, respectively, mainly because spinners bowled nearly 35 overs in those games.
Being at one venue helped me
Shami noted that playing all of India’s matches in the Champions Trophy at a single venue in Dubai has been beneficial.
“It has certainly aided us since we understand the conditions and pitch behavior. Playing all matches at one venue is an advantage.
“The key is to assess the conditions and observe how the pitch reacts, as this familiarity allows for better preparedness,” he explained.
Shami’s brilliant, says Gambhir
Head coach Gautam Gambhir lauded Shami for his impressive comeback from injury and his contributions to the team.
“He’s outstanding. A world-class performer. Phenomenal. The hunger he brings, his training intensity, and the volume of bowling during practice sessions are remarkable. He prepares exceptionally well, which leads to his successful outcomes,” Gambhir remarked.
Gambhir highlighted Shami’s versatility, making him a formidable presence across formats.
“I believe he’s an exceptional bowler, whether in red-ball cricket or the 50-over format. He has demonstrated this by making a return after one and a half years. Fast bowlers face tough conditions.
“Nonetheless, he bowled challenging overs. I have no doubt he will continue to perform at this level for Indian cricket for a long time,” Gambhir added.
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