With the fast-approaching 2023 ODI World Cup, workload management has once again become a major topic of discussion in Indian cricket.
Earlier this month, the BCCI had stated that the National Cricket Academy (NCA) will work in tandem with the IPL franchises to monitor the workload of players shortlisted for the 50-over World Cup at home in October-November.
However, veteran pacer Mohammad Shami, who is an integral part of the squad, reckons that there is no better way to maintain optimum fitness than playing matches regularly.
“I always prefer playing matches over practice. It is always better to play maximum number of games to get ready for a big event. Load is being managed and it is being managed properly.
“I just hope the main players stay in a good zone (ahead of the World Cup),” said Shami after his match-winning spell in the second ODI against New Zealand in Raipur on Saturday (January 21).
Shami put on an exhibition of seam bowling to return with the figures of 3 for 18 in 6 overs as India bundled out the Kiwis for a paltry 108 in 34.3 overs.
In reply, the hosts overhauled the target without breaking a sweat in 20.1 overs, registering an emphatic eight-wicket victory and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
“It was a damp wicket, but it was important to keep good line and length. All the bowlers were disciplined and the result is for all to see.
“Conditions were not as good as it seemed. They got out early but conditions were not overtly bowler friendly. We dismissed them cheaply by bowling a testing length,” Shami said.
Talking about his role as a senior bowler in the team, the right-arm pacer said: “As far as I am concerned, I always talk to the bowler. I know he is putting in the effort but, at times, you don’t get the desired results and that can improve if you talk to your bowling partner. That is the role I like to play when I am bowling.”
“My role hasn’t changed since I have come into the team (laughs). The only thing is to keep working on the fitness and diet,” he remarked.
Having clinched the series, Shami said the team could give opportunities to uncapped Rajat Patidar and Umran Malik in the final ODI in Indore on Tuesday (January 24).
“The management will take a call on that but they can be given an opportunity now that the series is won,” he said.
(With PTI Inputs)
