Having recovered from the wrist injury, veteran pacer Mohammad Shami is looking forward to bowl at full throttle in the 2021 edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) for Punjab Kings (PBKS), starting April 9.
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Shami had suffered a blow on his wrist from Pat Cummins’ short delivery during India’s second innings debacle at Adelaide in December last year. The injury was so severe that it ruled him out of the remaining Border-Gavaskar Trophy fixtures Down Under.
Subsequently, he returned home for an extensive rehabilitation programme at the NCA and missed the entire home series against England.
"I am absolutely fine and ready to go. The injury while batting was unfortunate as I have not had fitness issues for a long time but this was something I couldn't do anything about but it is part of the game," Shami told PTI.
"I always look at the positives. The last season was good for me and hope I can carry that form into the IPL. Because of the injury, I got more time to be ready for a big tournament like the IPL.
"I was at NCA most of the time. I could have gone back home but because of the current COVID environment, I decided to spend more time at NCA as the facilities are much better and you can follow the COVID protocols."
For the IPL 2021 season, Punjab Kings have exciting fast bowlers such as Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith in their ranks. During the auction last month, they had also roped in Moises Henriques, who is a handy seam bowling option as well.
No wonder, Shami feels death bowling should not be a cause of concern for Punjab anymore.
"We can't change the past. I tried my best last season and also help the fellow pacers whenever I could. We got good overseas players now. It is a stronger squad so we should do better this time," said Shami.
"Your mind has to be absolutely clear in the shortest format. As a unit we did good work but lost close matches we should have won. The support staff and players were frank with each other about that.
"Our death bowling seems better compared to last year, so we should do better."
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian cricketers have been experiencing bubble life since August last year with small breaks in between.
Sharing his two cents on the same, Shami said: "It is very tough as you can't meet your friends and family the way you usually do. That helps take your mind off the game which is very important. But right now it is the need of the hour. It is better to have the bubble than not having the event at all."
