Mohammad Shami's excellent work-rate at training is the reason why the experienced Indian pacer is where he is today, said Kings XI Punjab's (KXIP) bowling coach Charl Langeveldt. 

Shami, who has been a key component of the Indian bowling attack in international cricket, was also the top wicket-taker for Kings XI in the previous edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Read Also: Workload management important for pacers in hot UAE, says Mohammad Shami  

The speedster has been breaking the sweat in UAE in the build-up to the IPL 2020. Langeveldt said Shami's attitude has been inspiring for others in the camp.

"It's his work-rate (that impresses me the most). From day one he came here, he brings energy to the team," the former South African pacer told IANS from Dubai. 

"He sets the standards when it comes to training. That is the key for me. He has been exceptional when it comes down to training. No complaints. He manages his workload very well. He can assess his own bowling. I think his work rate sets an example for younger bowlers," added Landeveldt. 

The bowling coach stressed on the point raised by Shami himself regarding the need to make a quick adjustment to the high temperatures at Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah and said the team management is aware of the issue. 

"The heat is bearable now. We had one or two day practice sessions, which were challenging. It has cooled down a bit, but not a lot," Langeveldt said. 

"For us, the key is to manage the workload. Typically in a tournament, per week bowlers would bowl around 80-120 balls. If they go higher, then it's a concern, so we try and monitor that... the amount of balls they bowl per week."

"We have been great with the fitness trainer. He gives us weekly feedback on the workload. So we assess that and then we go to practice accordingly."

If Shami finds form, and the rest of the bowling cast make timely contributions, Langeveldt has faith Kings XI can really go the distance, given the explosive batting line-up they have.

"We have got a good bowling attack. Mohammed Shami is exceptional. He was the leading wicket-taker (for us) last time (season). So we (have) got a good variety and that is the key. It is also important to have depth in your squad," he said. 

"You need your younger players also to be up to speed in terms of what we want to achieve as a bowling unit. Like an Ishan Porel... Arshdeep Singh, Darshan (Nalkande)... to work at the same level and make sure they are ready if there are injuries. They also have to play depending on the team balance. So for me, the key is to get them match-fit so that they can play in any condition."

Langeveldt said head coach Anil Kumble and skipper KL Rahul have been leading by example in their respective jobs. 

"I have known Anil from playing against him. He is a great leader. He knows when to push the players and when to not push them. Rahul sets high standards. He leads by example with his work-rate. He doesn't complain a lot," he signed off.

Kings XI Punjab take on Delhi Capitals (DC) in their opening game of the tournament in Dubai on September 20.