Featuring in his first match in the ongoing World Cup, Mohammad Shami played a key role in India’s four-wicket victory over New Zealand in Dharamsala on Sunday (October 22).
Shami was drafted into the playing XI after India were forced to alter their playing combination due to Hardik Pandya’s ankle injury.
As it turned out, the right-arm repaid the faith of the team management with a five-wicket haul against New Zealand. Shami returned with the figures of 5 for 54 in his 10 overs and was adjudged Player-of-the-Match.
After the game, Shami said he always felt part of the team even when he was left out of the first four games.
"I was watching everything from the bench. I will do something only when I am given the chance. When you are not playing, it is very difficult. But if your team is performing, your boys are moving in a rhythm, then I don't think you should feel guilty sitting outside," Shami said in the post-match press conference.
"You are also a part of the team and a part of the World Cup. I think everyone should enjoy each other's success," he added.
The 33-year-old further said that he never lost hope when he was warming the bench and always kept a positive mindset.
"Personally, I keep my outlook simple, you need to keep enjoying. In India the biggest sport is cricket. The biggest place is the place where you are sitting."
"It's not necessary to be there (in the playing XI). You have 15 players. Four of them have to stay out. So, by being positive and enjoying, I feel you will get more results," Shami said.
"So, I always think, I am not here today, I will be here tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then day after tomorrow. They do come in rotation. And when your time comes, you need to contribute for the team."
Shami said he was aware of his role in Dharamsala and focussed on his line and length on a pitch that wasn't offering much.
"...I know everything, but it depends on what your role is, what the conditions are. You have to see everything because when the ball is not coming out of the wicket, you have to focus on the line and length. And the result is in front of you," he said.
"When you start, it's very important that you get a good start for your team. That's your role. Our bowlers have chosen the right areas. We did well and we restricted them, and the result is in front of you."
Riding on Mohammad Shami’s five-wicket haul, the Men in Blue bundled out the Kiwis for 273 in 50 overs.
In reply, Rohit Sharma (46) and Shubman Gill (26) provided the team with a strong 71-run opening stand but it was Virat Kohli who stole the show with a match-winning knock of 95.
According to Shami, there wasn't much to differentiate between the top two sides in the tournament, and the team that played better won.
"When the top-two teams are playing, how they play doesn't matter, but how they have played the game matters. No. 1 and No.2 teams don't have much difference. When two top teams are playing, I think the (previous) results don't matter. Their game (on the day) matters."
"I think you should look at the game, the innings, the fielding, how you have bowled. That matters more in this stage. The one who does well, wins the match," he said.
The HPCA stadium outfield has come under the scanner for its soggy nature, but Shami said the conditions were the same for both sides.
"There is no complaint because it was the same for both teams. We cannot say anything to the groundsman because he is helpless, it's his job; he tries very hard... It is not good to put a question mark on someone," he said.
"The situation and the condition is the same for both teams. In India and abroad, there are ups and downs. Sometimes we play on wet grounds, sometimes we play on dry grounds. No complaints."
(With PTI Inputs)
