As the battle for the first finalist of the IPL 2022 is set to begin on May 24 evening at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, when Gujarat Titans (GT) take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the first qualifier, GT speedster Mohammad Shami has opened up about his strategy for the match.
Shami is the highest wicket-taker in power-play overs with 11 wickets at 20 runs apiece so far to help Gujarat Titans (GT) become the first side to make it to the IPL 2022 playoffs. The Indian star has scalped 18 wickets in the 14 games for the new franchise this season so far.
Mohammad Shami said during a virtual media interaction: “In T20 cricket, we focus on variations -- slower ones, bouncers. But according to me, it's about bowling in the right areas then it becomes a difficult score. That's always my game plan.”
The Indian pacer further said, “The white ball does not swing after a few overs. So it's always my game plan to use the new ball as much as you can. You can say it's all about the experience. It's very important to control your line and length. You keep thinking about many things when you play the T20 format. It's about doing well in the power-play and then the match falls in place.”
Shami is also excited to play in his home ground at Eden Gardens. He added, “You know the ground inside-out, it gives a different feeling. You are always pumped up playing in front of the Eden crowd.”
On being asked about the Orange Cap holder, Jos Buttler (629 runs), Shami said that he is not worried about the RR star, as he is ready for the battle with the England star.
He signed off by saying, “As a player, you don't think much about the batter. Every batter has a weak point. You have to back your skills. I just do that, I never look at the name and who's batting against me.”
(With PTI Inputs)
