Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2022, Team India suffered a massive blow as ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah got ruled out of the tournament with a back injury.
Bumrah’s injury brought experienced campaigner Mohammad Shami brought into the picture even though the latter hadn’t played a T20I for India since November 2021.
While Shami’s inclusion got mixed responses from the cricket pundits, the veteran fast bowler reinforced the selectors and team management’s faith in his abilities by producing impressive performances in the group stage matches.
Shami might have picked only four wickets in as many T20 World Cup 2022 games so far, but his economy rate of 6 has played a vital role in India’s success.
After the clash against Bangladesh on Wednesday (November 2), Shami said he was "always ready" in his mind because of the communication between him and the team management.
"It all depends on preparation, and the team management always tells you to get ready," Shami said in the mixed zone after India beat Bangladesh by five runs (DLS method).
"As and when the team requires, you will get the call, is what we are always told. If you have seen my videos, I am never out of practice and I always continue with my training," he added.
Shami was supposed to feature in the home T20I series against South Africa and Australia in September-October, but he caught COVID-19 and was forced to sit out.
"It's not always easy to switch from one format to another red and white balls. It's about how well you are connected with the team and how well you bond with them," he stated.
"These are things that depends, and secondly, yes, I am playing T20Is after last World T20 and I agree that a player needs confidence and flow more than the colour of the ball. Obviously you need practice."
Shami, who usually bowls one change and in the middle overs and at the death, shared a sneak peek into his training.
"Call it experience, I am always ready. If you see me in matches, I am always bowling with new ball but when it comes to practice, I normally choose semi new or old ball. "If you get that benefit during the game, it's good. Just that you need confidence that you can execute it in match situation," he said.
"I always believe that you should have faith in your skill sets, and in these situations, you need to remain calm, and years of experience comes in handy.
"When the ball gets wet, there are 50 things that play on your mind and primarily whether you will be perfectly able to execute your plans or not," he explained.
While Bangladesh got off to a blazing start thanks to Litton Das’ sparkling half-century, Shami was confident that 185 was defendable.
"185 is a good T20 score on any day and on any surface. Yes, rain did come and that's a different thing.
"When the target was revised, they needed nearly 10 runs an over (85 off 9 overs) and it wasn't easy. The ball was becoming wet and it became close, but the skill and quality shown by our boys, good for us."
After the rain interruption, the ball was getting wet but Shami refused to believe that it only helped the batters.
"Yes, the ball skids which makes it easier for batting but you also have a chance to get wickets as batters might be late in reaching with the ball travelling faster. It's a 50-50 thing."
(With PTI inputs)
